Osmalieh

Osmalieh is a dessert popular in the Levant, it is made from 2 layers of string-like dough with a layer of qishta sandwiched between them. It is said to date back to the Ottoman Empire where it was served to Sultans.

Name

The name Othmalieh is derived from the name Ottoman or Othman. The spelling may vary, sometimes the name Osmalieh is used.

Preparation and Ingredients

Traditionally, the dough is pressed into a cake pan, and then fried in ghee or cooking oil, this is done for 2 layers, and then qishta is placed upon one layer, with the second layer placed over the qishta, forming a "sandwich" like confection.
After preparation is done, it is garnished with ground pistachio, qatir, lemon or orange blossom, and flower petals. It can be served cold or hot.

Consumption

The dessert is popular in the Levant region as well as the broader Arab world. It is commonly eaten in the month of Ramadan.
Osmalieh is a very popular holiday dessert in Lebanon, and is often associated with Lebanese cuisine.

Variations and Similar Dishes

Contemporary Levantine variations of osmalieh use alternate fillings like ice cream or cream cheese.
Um naren is a Syrian type of knafeh made from 2 layers of string dough with qishta or cream in between.