Layali Lubnan
"Lebanese Nights" — a trembling, ivory semolina custard perfumed with rose water and orange blossom, layered with fresh ashta cream, scattered with crushed pistachios and coconut. Cool, aromatic, and impossibly delicate.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 0.5 cup fine semolina
- 4 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp rose water
- 1 tbsp orange blossom water
- 1.5 cups ashta cream
- 0.33 cup crushed pistachios
- 0.25 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Whisk semolina and sugar into cold milk in a saucepan until completely smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently, about 12–15 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in rose water and orange blossom water.
- Pour into a large shallow serving dish or individual glass bowls. Smooth the surface.
- Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours until set.
- Just before serving, spread or dollop ashta cream across the surface.
- Scatter crushed pistachios and shredded coconut over the ashta.
- Serve cold, cut into squares if using a large dish.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Layali Lubnan?
"Lebanese Nights" — a trembling, ivory semolina custard perfumed with rose water and orange blossom, layered with fresh ashta cream, scattered with crushed pistachios and coconut. Cool, aromatic, and impossibly delicate.
Where is Layali Lubnan from?
Layali Lubnan comes from Lebanese Mountains. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Layali Lubnan vegetarian?
As written, Layali Lubnan contains no meat or fish, so it is suitable for vegetarians. It does include dairy or other animal-derived ingredients, so it is not vegan. Check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of fine semolina in Layali Lubnan?
The fine semolina called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Layali Lubnan its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Layali Lubnan?
In a Lebanese desserts spread, Layali Lubnan is served at the end of a meal or with afternoon coffee or tea. A little extra syrup or nuts on top is traditional where the recipe calls for them.
Can I make Layali Lubnan ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Most components can be prepared ahead. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture; syrups and nut toppings are best added or refreshed close to serving.