Layali lubnan

Translated as Lebanese nights, this creamy and versatile dessert is made with a base of milk, semolina, and sugar. The ingredients are cooked into a creamy pudding that is left to set until it is firm and well-chilled. The pudding is usually flavored with orange blossom or rose water, vanilla, lemon juice, and can also be additionally thickened with mastic. Traditionally, this dessert is served topped with cream or ashta (thick clotted cream) and crushed or ground pistachios, but additional toppings may include other nuts and sliced fruit such as bananas or strawberries, while the whole concoction is sometimes finished off with a drizzle of honey or syrup. Some variations layer the pudding with cookies.