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    Home » Desserts

    November 6, 2020

    Ashtello (Panna Cotta)

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    Ashtello (Panna Cotta) is one of the most popular and simplest no bake cream desserts on my page. I FINALLY put together a video for everyone who had requested it!

    This is a light dessert perfect for family occasions, or whenever you need something quick and refreshing. You can recreate this dessert in vegan, low-carb, or sugar free forms. You must definitely try it!


    What is Ashtello (Panna Cotta)?

    Ashtello is a combination of two different rich and satisfying desserts: Ashta, which is Middle-Eastern smooth clotted cream, and jello which is a gelatin-based fruit-flavored dessert enjoyed by millions all over the world because of its smooth jiggly texture.

    So, Ashtello combines the rich creamy taste of ashta and the fun jiggly, Jello-like appearance and feel.
    ⁣


    Almost Too Beautiful To Eat!

    Ashtello (Panna Cotta) is a milky white, cream pudding prepared in a cake mold then decked out in fruits, pistachio, and drizzled with simple syrup.
    A gorgeous platter of the cream pudding Middle-Eastern variant Ashtello decked out in fresh fruit is simply irresistible!

    How Ashtello (Panna Cotta) came to be

    Ashtello is simply a twist on a known favorite: panna cotta. But what is panna cotta? It is a basic Italian cream pudding made of dairy, and thickened with gelatin.

    Its literal meaning is “cooked cream” and it’s made using heavy cream, unlike its counterparts crème caramel or crème brulée which are made of milk. This makes panna cotta a pudding much richer than the traditional ones.


    What is Ashta or Middle-Eastern cream pudding?

    Ashta, or Kashta/Qashta, is a Middle-Eastern versatile cream dessert. There are quite a few ways you can make ashta, but traditionally it is made by heating lightly sweetened full-fat milk, orange blossom, rose water, and lemon juice which are slowly simmered until thick.

    You can also use a different recipe that includes heating milk with flour, cornstarch, heavy cream, rose water, orange blossom, and vanilla then simmering until thick.


    Uses Of Ashta or Middle-Eastern cream pudding

    With Ashta being the whipped cream of the Middle East, it is very likely to be used as a either as base or a filling for many Ramadan sweets.

    In addition, it can be used as a dip for a fruit platter, a spread or a filling for pastries, and to stuff cakes or dough. Plus, you can eat it as it is with a little honey or simple syrup on top!


    Fun Variations On Ashtello

    While it’s good as it is, you can still get very creative with ashtello and come up with even more exquisite desserts that will tempt your taste buds!

    For instance, you could make something very similar to the Arabic sweet “Aish El Saraya”.

    You first lay chunks of bread -chop the edges for extra smoothness- at the bottom of a Pyrex baking dish, then press until you have a flat surface.

    To make it even better, wet the bread with simple syrup, wait for a few minutes then add your cooled ashtello mixture on top. Sprinkle with some pistachio and drizzle with more simple syrup (for extra sweetness), pop into the fridge then enjoy!

    For a gluten-free version, you can use biscuits or crackers of your choice. Crush them using a food processor, then press them onto the bottom as done previously. I recommend you drizzle this layer with milk!

    Another great addition would be a packet of jello instead of gelatin, for a kick of your favorite flavors!


    Ways To Serve Ashtello

    If you ask me what my favorite part about making this easy dessert is, my answer will always be, decorating! I truly enjoy garnishing it with different toppings, I also find the milky color very tempting as it blends well with a variety of colors.

    This is why fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or even minced mango are one of the best toppings to go on your ashtello. Not to mention the several syrups you could use whether it’s rose simple syrup, chocolate, or even caramel. They all give that shine we’re looking for!

    However, If you’re not in the mood for fruits, I suggest you go for the magic ingredient, nuts! Pistachio, pine nuts, and crushed cashews will do the job. Don’t forget raisins! They definitely give you that spark of sweetness in case you like ashtello with no simple syrup on top.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    For how long do I refrigerate ashtello?

    It needs 6 hours to harden, or better if left over night.

    How long does ashtello last?

    While refrigerated, it can last up to five days.

    What can I use instead of gelatin?

    You can use 6 tablespoons of corn starch instead of gelatin, but it won’t give the same jiggling effect. The ashtello will have a smoother texture instead.


    Ingredients For Ashtello (Panna Cotta)

    •  half and half or heavy cream
    • whole milk
    • gelatin
    • sugar or xylitol (sugar free)
    • rose water
    • blossom water

    Ingredients For Simple Syrup – Atir

    • sugar
    • water
    • blossom water
    • a lemon

    Steps to make the best Ashtello (Panna Cotta)

    First, in a pot on high heat, add 4 cups of half and half or heavy cream, sugar, rose water and blossom water until hot. Don’t allow the milk to boil. 

    Next, in a bowl, whisk 5 tablespoons of gelatin with the 2 cups of milk until it dissolves completely. Pour the gelatin mixture back into the pot of hot milk and whisk then remove off of heat.

    After that, pour the hot mixture into your mold-I used a cake mold- and allow it to cool for 20 minutes, then refrigerate until firm. Once ashtello is ready and firm, place the pan in a hot water bath in your sink for about 10 seconds or tad more.

    Shake it around, once it becomes looser and you see it slipping, flip on a plate to serve!


    How to make Simple Syrup (also known as atir in arabic)

    Place all ingredients in a small pot. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Finally, it should have a thin syrup consistency.


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    Ashtello

    Lama
    Ashtello is a Middle-Easter twist on panna cotta, made with ashta molded into a Jello-like form. A definite must-try for occasions and hosting.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Comment Pin Recipe
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Course Dessert

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 cups half and half or heavy cream
    • 2 cups whole milk
    • 5 tablespoons gelatin
    • 2 cups sugar or xylitol (sugar free)
    • ¼ cup rose water
    • 2 tablespoons blossom water

    Simple Syrup- Atir

    • 2 cups sugar
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 tablespoon blossom water
    • squeeze of lemon

    Instructions
     

    • In a pot on high heat; add 4 cups of half and half or heavy cream, sugar, rose water and blossom water until hot. Don’t allow the milk to boil. 
    • In a bowl, whisk 5 tablespoons of gelatin with 2 cups of milk until it dissolves completely. Pour the gelatin mixture back into the pot of hot milk and whisk. Remove off of heat.
    • Pour the hot mixture into your mold (I used a cake mold). Allow it to cool for 20 minutes then refrigerate until firm (6 hours or best if left over night). Once ashtello is ready and firm, place the pan in a hot water bath in your sink for about 10 seconds or tad more. Shake it around, once it becomes looser and you see it slipping, flip on a plate to serve!

    Simple Syrup- Atir

    • Place all ingredients in a small pot. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. It should have a thin syrup consistency.

    Video

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sarah Hamdan says

      December 05, 2020 at 3:57 am

      5 stars
      Such a crowd pleaser! Loved the recipe!

      Reply
      • Tastegreatfoodie says

        December 06, 2020 at 9:12 pm

        It really is!!! Happy you loved it! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Tamara says

      January 28, 2021 at 1:51 am

      One of the easiest recipes. I enjoyed the twist to the this.

      Reply
    3. Sana says

      February 11, 2021 at 9:05 pm

      5 stars
      Such a crowd pleaser!! So delicious and easy to make

      Reply
      • Lama says

        February 14, 2021 at 8:17 pm

        Happy you find it delicious and easy to make! Thank you for your feedback!

        Reply
    4. Yasmina says

      May 18, 2021 at 4:09 pm

      It was amazing! Everybody loved it. I do recommend keeping it overnight as it tasted better the next day. I was in a rush to serve it, that is why I only waited seven hours. Can’t wait to try new things from Lama’s recipes. Thank You!

      Reply
      • Lama says

        May 20, 2021 at 3:21 pm

        Thank you so much for the review! So glad you enjoyed the popular Ashtello! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Mewmix says

      July 17, 2021 at 10:52 pm

      How can I make this without gelatine?

      Reply
      • Lama says

        July 18, 2021 at 3:04 pm

        Hi! You can use 6 tablespoons corn starch instead of gelatin. Or you can use agar agar gelatin, 6 tablespoons!

        Reply
    6. Mariana says

      August 11, 2021 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      I made this PANNA COTTA today and it was a hit. So luscious and mouth watering! I think i’m gonna be a daiky visitor of your blog ❤

      Reply
    7. Chtistie says

      January 12, 2022 at 8:21 pm

      5 stars
      Never made a panna cotta before and it worked out perfectly! Super quick and yummy!!

      Reply
    8. Haifa says

      January 16, 2022 at 8:16 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been searching for this recipe for a while. Glad i found it. I wanna thank u for the video. It made things easier for me

      Reply
    9. Laura says

      March 31, 2022 at 8:30 pm

      5 stars
      This was just perfect! It tasted and looked amazing !

      Reply

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