Part 1/7:

Om Ali: A Culinary Journey Through History

Today, we delve into the rich culinary landscape of Egypt to explore its national dessert, Om Ali. This evocative bread pudding not only tantalizes the taste buds but also carries with it a legacy of intrigue, deceit, and the remarkable tale of Egypt's only female sultan.

The Historical Roots of Om Ali

The story behind Om Ali is as layered as the dessert itself. Its name, believed to have originated in the 13th century, derives from the Arabic for "Mother of Ali." This dessert, however, is rooted in ancient recipes that predate its naming by several centuries. Historic texts like the Kitab al-Tabikh from the 10th century describe similar bread puddings that were made with simple ingredients such as bread, sugar, and milk.