Lebanese Shaabiyat is a super easy Middle Eastern dessert that will wow your guests. Delicate, flaky, creamy and sweet that can never go wrong.
Aside from basbousa, this is one of the quickest Middle Eastern desserts I have ever made.
Middle Eastern Desserts
Recipes for Middle Eastern desserts are daunting to some and look complicated or maybe requires ingredients that are not there in your kitchen. But, good news here, this recipes is seriously ridiculously easy and the ingredients are there in your neighborhood stores. I promise.
Making recipes with phyllo dough is a great pleasure for me. Traditionally, Shaabiyat is usually made using phyllo dough but this time I wanted to play a little with the recipe using puff pastry.
Working with Puff pastry is a pleasure as well, I understand that it is easier for many to use puff pastry and that's why I decided to switch to puff pastry for this recipe. Aaand to make it even easier I've used already cut puff pastry shapes that you can find in any store, so I saved you the time to cut and shape the dough.. how easy is that?!!
I understand that some people like to make their own puff dough, and there are so many excellent recipes on the web for homemade puff pastry. I might be tempted and make this one by Christina. But because I know you are busy especially this time of the year I am giving you the easier option. Just go to your store and get the shells/cups. You simply bake according to package direction or until puff pastry is golden brown at the bottom and then drizzle with simple syrup and fill with this ashta cream recipe.
Advice
If you do not have these shells in the area you are living in you just get the ordinary puff sheets. Cut them with a cookie cutter or simply cut them into squares, stuff with cream then fold to form a triangle. Then bake and afterwards drizzle with the syrup.
How to make the easiest Middle Eastern dessert
- First you'll need to bake the puff pastry shells as directed on the package until it turns golden brown at the bottom.
- Now drizzle with some cooled simple syrup, if you want to go lighten you can skip this step and drizzle at the end with ribbons of honey for a healthier variation.
- Cut the pastry in half and stuff with some of the pudding/ ashta filling.
- Add the top part back and press lightly.
- Add another half or full teaspoon of the ashta filling on top.
- garnish with crushed pistachios.
Serving suggestions
Away from traditions, you can skip the simple syrup and drizzle yours with honey. Or garnish with fruits on top, think a slice of strawberry then decorated with ribbons of your favorite chocolate syrup. Try this chocolate syrup here for decorations, it is soo good.
This simple dessert is so appealing and can be made in less than 30 minutes most of which spent waiting for the puff in the oven to be baked. Nothing is better than easy desserts specially for the holiday season.
Middle Eastern desserts to enjoy
- Classic Arabic fried pancakes (Qatayef).
- Arabic Bread Pudding (Om Ali).
- Cream filled semolina cake (Basbousa).
- Baklava rolls.
Middle Eastern Dessert, Shaabiyat
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Middle Eastern Dessert; Shaabiyat
Ingredients
- 1 package of puff pastry cups/shells. Note1
- ِA batch of Ashta cream. Note2
For garnishing:
- Ground pistachios.
For the simple syrup
- 2 cup sugar.
- 1 cup water.
- 1 teaspoon lime juice.
For flavoring the syrup:
- Vanilla extract, cinnamon stick, orange blossom water, rose water or any extract of your choice.
Instructions
- Start by making the simple syrup by adding all the ingredients stirring well over medium heat until it thickens, let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the ashta cream filling.
- Bake your puff pastry according to package directions.
- Drizzle with simple syrup while hot.
- Now with a sharp knife cut each cup in half and fill in between with approximately a tablespoon of the Ashta cream, then replace the top part again.
- Top the whole thing with another tablespoon of the Ashta and garnish with some crushed pistachios.
- Serve and ... Enjoy!!
Hello, I haven't tried your recipe yet but I was wondering isn't better to use the regular phyllo dough for Baklava(Baklawa) because it dries better and it's more flaky? I could be wrong.
Thank You in advance.
Hellani, actually this recipe works both ways. Many of my audience though are scared of using phyllo so sometimes I make recipes with puff as it is easier for them, but you are welcome to use phyllo. Hope this helps.
Terrific recipe! I’ve just fallen in love with this super easy dessert! It’s so delicate and creamy. I also like that it can be made in less than 30 minutes. Can’t wait to give this a try. It would taste amazing with a cup of coffee.
Amira, thank you a lot for sharing this fab idea and all of your useful recommendations. I should definitely try your other Middle Eastern desserts. I’m really in the mood for something like this now. Look forward to your new awesome ideas. Keep it up!
Ann, thank you so much for your sweet comment. For a nontraditional variation you can use whatever pudding you like. I hope to see pictures from you soon.