Layali Lubnan (Lebanese Nights)
Description
This layali lubnan, which translates to Lebanese nights, is a popular Middle Eastern dessert of cold semolina pudding with caramel syrup and pistachios.
Ingredients
•
8 cups cold milk
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1 1/2 cups semolina
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2 eggs
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3 tablespoons rose water
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4 cups white sugar
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2 1/4 cups water
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1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
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1 cup whipping cream
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1 tablespoon white sugar
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1/3 cup finely chopped pistachio nuts
Directions
1
Make pudding: Pour milk into a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and slowly pour in semolina in a steady stream, stirring continuously. Continue to stir and cook until mixture thickens and boils for 1 to 2 minutes.
2
Remove the pan from heat and stir in eggs and rose water until well combined. Pour mixture into a 9x13-inch serving dish or individual dishes. Allow pudding to cool slightly, then cover with plastic wrap directly on the top. Refrigerate, covered, for at least 5 hours to overnight.
3
Make syrup: Heat 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir to dissolve sugar, then cook until mixture turns golden brown. Immediately remove from heat and stir in remaining water. Don't worry if the mixture bubbles and hardens a bit, it will dissolve. Return the pan to the stove and stir in remaining 3 1/2 cups sugar until dissolved. Add lemon juice and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and chill. The syrup will keep for a month if refrigerated in a sealed container.
4
Make topping: Beat together cream and sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream over pudding. Sprinkle with nuts.
5
Cut pudding into squares. Serve with syrup poured around it.