Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

Warbat with Homemade Ishta | Middle Eastern Dessert Recipe

Login to Save
113 views👍 5
Yara's Delights
Yara's Delights
1 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
Follow Yara's Delights to prioritize their recipes in your meal plans, pantry matches, and suggestions

Recipe Information

Recipe Available
Video-Specific Recipe

Warbat

Cultural Context

Warbat, a beloved dessert in Syria, combines the delicate layers of phyllo dough with sweet, nutty fillings, often enjoyed during festive occasions. This treat reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East, where pastries are often infused with floral syrups and spices. Today, Warbat has gained popularity beyond its borders, with variations appearing in Middle Eastern bakeries worldwide.

SyrianSYdessert
45 min
medium
8 servings
Servings4
1 package (16 oz) filo dough, thawed
1 cup melted unsalted butter
1 liter whole milk
¼ cup white vinegar
300 ml milk
½ cup powdered milk
1½ tbsp cornstarch
1½ tbsp semolina
1 cup sugar
½ cup water
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water (optional, for fragrance)
Roughly chopped pistachios (for garnish)

phyllo dough

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pastry dough

💰Cheaper: homemade dough

Whole wheat adds fiber and nutrients.

rose water

🥗Healthier: orange blossom water

💰Cheaper: vanilla extract

Orange blossom water provides a similar floral note.

honey

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: maple syrup

Agave syrup is lower in calories.

nuts

🥗Healthier: seeds

💰Cheaper: dried fruits

Seeds are often less expensive and nut-free.

1

Make the Simple Syrup: In a saucepan, add water first, then sugar. Bring to a gentle boil. Add lemon juice and simmer for 10 minutes. Add rose water or orange blossom water, if using. Set aside to cool completely.

2

Make the Homemade Ishta: Heat 1 liter milk in a pot. Once hot, add ¼ cup vinegar and stir until it curdles and separates. Strain using a fine mesh or cheesecloth and set aside. In a saucepan, whisk together 300 ml milk and 1½ tbsp cornstarch until smooth. Add powdered milk and semolina. Cook over medium heat until it thickens into a custard. Stir in the curdled milk mixture from Part 1. Mix until smooth, let it cool completely. Optional: Whip in 1 can of ready-made ishta once cooled for added creaminess and shine.

3

Prepare the Filo Dough: Unroll the filo and divide into stacks of 8 sheets. Keep unused sheets covered with a towel. Cut into 4.25" squares. Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle and place on an ungreased baking tray.

4

Butter and Bake: Pour melted butter generously over all the triangles. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until golden on top and bottom.

5

Assemble the Warbat: While pastries are still hot, pour cooled syrup evenly over them. Let them cool slightly before filling. Gently open each triangle, pipe in the whipped ishta filling, and close. Dip exposed edges in chopped pistachios.

Cooking Techniques

layeringrollingbakingboiling

Equipment Needed

ovensaucepanbaking tray

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dietary

vegetarian

Allergens

nutsgluten

Also Known As

Baklava RollsWarbat Pastry

More Warbat Videos

(17 videos)

Similar Syrian Videos

(24 videos)

Similar Desserts From Other Cuisines

(24 videos)