Flat Maamoul with Ashta and Pistachio

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups semolina
• 1 1/2 cups plain flour
• 1 cup ground pistachios
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup ghee or melted butter
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water
• 1/2 cup powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast - optional
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• A splash of rose water and a splash of orange blossom water
• Green food coloring - optional
• Syrup (qatir) or shira for serving
• Ashta:
• 1 cup powdered milk
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• A dash of orange blossom water
• 1 tub of ready-made Qimeer cream (plain)
• Syrup:
• To make Umm Hadi's chocolate-caramel dessert, click the link: Caramel and Chocolate Dessert

Method

1. Mix all the dough ingredients together.. bring them together without kneading, then let rest for one hour
2. Roll out half the dough in a buttered pan.. roll a thin layer because it will puff slightly when baked
3. Spread the cold ashta, then roll out the second half of the dough over the ashta.. wet your hands with water as needed to make the dough easier to spread
4. Place the flat maamoul with ashta and pistachio in a preheated oven at 180°C.. place it on the lower rack
5. When the edges begin to brown.. turn on the oven's top heat to brown the top as well
6. Let the flat maamoul cool completely before flipping and cutting.. soak with syrup immediately or reserve the syrup for serving
7. Combine all ingredients except the Qimeer cream in a saucepan and heat, stirring constantly until boiling
8. Stir in the tub of plain Qimeer cream and mix well.
9. Allow the ashta to cool completely before using
10. Mix 1 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water... quantities can be increased
11. When they boil, add a squeeze of lemon and simmer for about 7 minutes
    Timers: 7 min
12. Turn off the heat, sprinkle a little orange blossom water and stir