Simple Stovetop Ashta
A quick and simple version of the classic Middle Eastern clotted cream, often called 'false ashta'. This recipe uses cornstarch to create a thick, smooth, pudding-like cream, delicately scented with orange blossom and rose water. It's perfect as a filling for pastries or as a standalone dessert.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 2 hr 15 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 407 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk, nuts, and tree nuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 480 mlwhole milk
- 240 mlheavy cream
- 4 tbspcornstarch
- 2 tbspsugar
- 1 tbsporange blossom water
- 1 tsprose water
garnish
- 2 tbsppistachio, coarsely chopped(optional)
- 2 tbsphoney(optional)
Equipment
saucepan · bowl · whisk
The method
Step by step
- 1
In a medium saucepan, add the cornstarch. Pour in a small amount of the cold milk and whisk until you have a smooth paste with no lumps.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Making a slurry with cold liquid first is the key to preventing lumpy cream.
- 2
Whisk in the remaining milk, the heavy cream, and the sugar until fully combined.
About 1 min
- 3
Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- 4
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly and scraping the bottom and corners of the pan to prevent scorching.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Do not walk away from the stove, as milk can burn easily once it starts to heat up.
- 5
Once simmering, continue to cook and whisk for 2-3 minutes as the mixture thickens to the consistency of a thick pudding.
About 3 min
- 6
Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a minute.
About 1 min
- 7
Stir in the orange blossom water and rose water until evenly distributed.
Cook’s note: Adding flavorings off the heat preserves their delicate aroma.
- 8
Pour the ashta into a shallow, heatproof bowl or container.
About 1 min
- 9
Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming as it cools.
About 1 min
- 10
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely cold and firm, before using or serving.
About 2 hr
Cook’s note: Chilling is essential for the ashta to set to the correct consistency.
- 11
Serve chilled, topped with the chopped pistachios and a drizzle of honey if desired.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 406.6kcal
- Protein
- 6.6g
- Carbs
- 31.7g
- Fat
- 29.5g
- Fibre
- 0.8g
- Sugar
- 22.9g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface.
This dish is served cold and should not be reheated.
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