Middle Eastern Cream-Filled Phyllo Pastry

Warbat, also known as Shaabiyat, is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert featuring delicate layers of crispy, golden phyllo dough filled with rich Ashta cream and drizzled with fragrant sugar syrup. This delightful pastry is a staple during Ramadan and festive celebrations, offering a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. Garnished with crushed pistachios and rose petals, Warbat is a visually stunning and indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicate and Crispy: The flaky phyllo pastry provides a delightful crunch.
• Rich and Creamy Filling: Ashta cream adds a luxurious texture and taste.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: A must-have for Ramadan, Eid, and family gatherings.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple steps with readily available ingredients.
• Fragrant and Flavorful: Infused with rose water and orange blossom syrup for an authentic touch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Phyllo Pastry:

• 10 sheets phyllo dough
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Ashta Cream Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon rose water (optional)

For the Sugar Syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• ¾ cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water

For Garnish:

• ¼ cup crushed pistachios
• Dried rose petals (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Sugar Syrup:

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water and bring to a boil.
2. Add lemon juice and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Stir in rose water or orange blossom water, then set aside to cool.

Make the Ashta Cream:

1. In a pot, whisk together milk, cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until thickened.
3. Add rose water if using, then let the mixture cool before using.

Prepare the Phyllo Pastry:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lay one phyllo sheet on a clean surface and brush with melted butter.
3. Stack another sheet on top and brush with more butter.
4. Cut into squares, then fold each square into a triangle shape, pressing the edges lightly.

Bake the Warbat:

1. Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Fill and Garnish:

1. Once the pastries have cooled, carefully fill each Warbat with Ashta cream.
2. Drizzle with sugar syrup and garnish with crushed pistachios and rose petals.

Serve & Enjoy:

Best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature with Arabic coffee or tea.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 12 pieces
• Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per piece

Variations

• Nutty Warbat: Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the filling for extra texture.
• Chocolate Warbat: Mix melted chocolate into the Ashta cream for a unique twist.
• Honey-Drizzled Warbat: Substitute sugar syrup with honey for a different kind of sweetness.
• Savory Warbat: Skip the sugar and fill with a ricotta cheese mixture for a savory take.
• Coconut Cream Warbat: Add shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Warbat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled baked pastries for up to 2 months. Thaw and fill before serving.
• Avoid Sogginess: Do not refrigerate filled pastries for too long, as they may become soft.

FAQs

1. Can I make Warbat ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the phyllo pastries in advance and store them in an airtight container. Fill them with cream and add syrup just before serving.

2. Can I use store-bought Ashta cream?

Yes, if you prefer a quicker version, you can use store-bought Ashta or thickened cream.

3. How do I prevent phyllo dough from drying out?

Cover unused phyllo sheets with a damp kitchen towel while assembling to prevent them from drying out.

4. Can I make Warbat without rose water?

Yes, you can skip the rose water or substitute it with vanilla extract for a simpler flavor.

5. What can I serve with Warbat?

Warbat pairs well with Arabic coffee, mint tea, or a glass of cold milk.

6. Is Warbat similar to Baklava?

Both use phyllo dough and syrup, but Warbat has a creamy filling, while Baklava is filled with nuts.

7. Can I air-fry Warbat instead of baking?

Yes, air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

8. How do I know when the syrup is ready?

The syrup is ready when it slightly thickens but is still pourable. Avoid overcooking it.

9. Can I use ghee instead of butter?

Yes, ghee adds a richer flavor and works well as a substitute for butter.

10. Can I make Warbat vegan?

Yes, use dairy-free milk for the Ashta cream and vegan butter for brushing the phyllo dough.

Conclusion

Warbat is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert that combines crispy, buttery phyllo pastry with a creamy Ashta filling and a fragrant sugar syrup drizzle. Whether for Ramadan, Eid, or any special gathering, this pastry is a crowd-pleaser that is both easy to make and visually stunning. Try different variations, store it properly, and enjoy this authentic treat with your favorite beverage.