Description
Ashta is a rich and creamy Middle Eastern clotted cream, often used as a filling for desserts like atayef, knafeh, and pastries. Made with milk, thickened with cornstarch or semolina, and flavored with rose or orange blossom water, Ashta is luxurious and lightly sweetened—perfect for layering or enjoying by the spoonful.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or 2 tbsp fine semolina)
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp rose water or orange blossom water (or a mix of both)
- Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream (for extra richness)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch (or semolina) in 1/4 cup of the milk and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the remaining milk and sugar until just warm.
- Slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency (about 5–7 minutes).
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in rose water and/or orange blossom water.
- Optional: Fold in heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Transfer the Ashta to a bowl, cover the surface with plastic wrap, and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled and set.
Notes
Use fine semolina instead of cornstarch for a more traditional texture.Adjust the sweetness to your preference—Ashta is often mildly sweet.For extra flavor, combine both rose and orange blossom water.Great as a filling for atayef, knafeh, osmaliyeh, or eaten with honey and fruit.Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
