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Middle Eastern Cream-Filled Phyllo Pastry


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  • Author: Mari
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pieces 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Warbat, also known as Shaabiyat, is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert featuring crispy, golden phyllo dough filled with rich, creamy Ashta (clotted cream) and drizzled with aromatic sugar syrup. This syrup-soaked pastry, often garnished with crushed pistachios and dried rose petals, is a staple during Ramadan and festive gatherings, offering a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and sweetness.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Phyllo Pastry:

  • 10 sheets phyllo dough
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Ashta Cream Filling:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon rose water (optional)

For the Sugar Syrup:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water

For Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup crushed pistachios
  • Dried rose petals (optional)

Instructions

. Prepare the Sugar Syrup:

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

2. 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 cool before using.

3. 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.

4. Bake the Warbat:

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

5. Fill and Garnish:

  1. Once cooled, carefully fill each Warbat with Ashta cream.
  2. Drizzle with sugar syrup.
  3. Garnish with crushed pistachios and dried rose petals.

6. Serve & Enjoy:

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

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, let the baked pastries cool completely before filling them.
  • You can substitute store-bought clotted cream for homemade Ashta.
  • Adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the amount of sugar in the syrup.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Calories: 220 kcal per piece