National Dish Jordan: Umm Ali (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Umm Ali, the warming milk-and-pastry pudding that rounds off any Jordanian feast in style. Somewhere between a bread pudding and a bake, it layers crisp puff pastry with sweet spiced milk, a scatter of nuts and plump raisins, all finished under a golden, cinnamon-flecked almond crust. Simple to put together yet wonderfully indulgent, it is a dessert built for sharing — a taste of Arabic hospitality served straight from the oven.
About Umm Ali
Umm Ali is a much-loved dessert celebrated not only in Jordan but right across the Arab world. Resembling a comforting bake, it is made from puff pastry, milk, nuts and raisins, whose combination gives the dish a harmonious flavour and a beautifully varied texture. It is the crisp crust of cinnamon and almonds in particular that makes Umm Ali such an unmistakable treat for the palate — rich, sweet and satisfying without ever feeling heavy.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 3–4 sheets of puff pastry
- 500 ml milk
- 100 g sugar
- 50 g almonds, chopped
- 50 g walnuts, chopped
- 50 g raisins
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
Shopping for the ingredients
The nuts and raisins are what really shape this dessert, so they are well worth choosing with care. Where you can, reach for unsalted nuts to let the natural sweetness of the dish shine through. It is also worth keeping your guests’ preferences in mind — for instance when deciding which varieties of nut to use — so the finished pudding suits everyone at the table.
Preparing the dish
Begin by rolling out the puff pastry on a clean work surface and cutting it into small pieces or strips ready to layer into the dessert later. While the pastry is prepped, chop the nuts and soak the raisins in a little warm water so they stay soft and juicy during baking. Have a suitable ovenproof dish ready too, as this is where the pudding will come together and bake.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Spread the pieces of puff pastry evenly across the ovenproof dish.
- Heat the milk with the sugar, cinnamon and vanilla extract in a pan until the sugar has dissolved.
- Pour the warm milk evenly over the puff pastry.
- Scatter over the chopped nuts and raisins.
- Brush with melted butter and finish with a layer of almonds.
- Bake for around 30 minutes, until the surface is golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
It is perfectly possible to make Umm Ali gluten-free and lactose-free. Use a gluten-free alternative to the puff pastry — something based on rice flour or potato starch — to build the base. For the milk, swap in a plant-based option such as almond milk or coconut milk. These small adjustments mean anyone following a special diet can still enjoy this delicious pudding.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans can prepare Umm Ali with ease by simply replacing the milk with a plant-based alternative and leaving out any animal products. Instead of butter for brushing the pastry layers, use a vegan fat or oil. This turns the dish into a lovely vegan dessert without losing any of its aroma. Just take care that the nuts and dried fruit you choose contain no hidden animal ingredients.
More tips and tricks
To make Umm Ali even more indulgent, try adding extra touches such as dried figs or dates. If you fancy a deeper flavour, experiment with spices like cardamom or nutmeg. Another idea is to sweeten the pudding with a little honey or maple syrup to taste. It also helps to build in contrasting textures by using both coarsely and finely chopped nuts.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The Umm Ali recipe leaves plenty of room for adaptation. Vary the nuts to create different flavour profiles — pistachios or pecans work beautifully. For an especially rich pudding, add a layer of cream or yoghurt. And for a fruitier note, swap the raisins for fresh fruit such as apples or pears, lightly caramelised before they go in. A splash of rosewater turns it into something close to a Sahlab in spirit.
Ingredient substitutions
Should you find yourself without a particular ingredient, there are plenty of alternatives to hand. In place of puff pastry you can use shortcrust for a more compact base. The raisins can be swapped for other dried fruit such as apricots or cranberries. And with the nuts you can be just as creative — cashews or hazelnuts both bring their own character to the dish.
Drink pairing ideas
A number of drinks pair beautifully with Umm Ali. An aromatic Arabic tea or a fresh mint tea complements the sweetness of the pudding perfectly. Alternatively, a yoghurt drink or a fruit juice makes a good match, much like the cooling sips served alongside a Roz Bel Halib. For anyone after something a little livelier, a glass of fruit spritzer is a refreshing choice.
Serving and presentation ideas
Thoughtful presentation only adds to the appeal of Umm Ali. Serve it in an attractive glass dish that shows off the different layers. Decorate with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cinnamon for an inviting finish. Take a little care with the plates too, so the whole thing feels like a festive occasion — the same generous spirit you would bring to a platter of Maamoul.
A bit of history
The roots of Umm Ali reach deep into Arab culture and are bound up with a long tradition of hospitality. This dessert is served across Jordan and the wider region at special occasions and celebrations. The name “Umm Ali” means “Mother of Ali” and points to a legend said to explain how the dish came to be. It stands not only for the culinary richness of Jordan but for the sharing of joy and community — a quality it shares with the sweet, cheese-filled Knafeh so central to Jordanian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Umm Ali
Umm Ali is a delicious, comforting dessert that captures the richness of Jordanian cooking. With its wealth of flavours and textures, it offers an unforgettable experience for all the senses. It is straightforward to prepare and endlessly adaptable, which makes it an ideal sweet for any occasion. Give this traditional recipe a try and taste the hospitality of Arabic culture in every bite.
