Delicious and Easy-to-Make Mhalabiya: A Traditional Middle Eastern Dessert

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of milk
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 5 tablespoons of cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon of rose water
  • 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water
  • Chopped pistachios for garnish
  • Dried rose petals for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine the milk and sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little bit of cold milk until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan with the milk and sugar, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
  4. Turn the heat to low and keep stirring until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
  5. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the rose water and orange blossom water.
  6. Pour the mixture into individual serving dishes or a large serving dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
  7. Before serving, garnish with chopped pistachios and dried rose petals.

Tools for making

  • Saucepan - A medium-sized saucepan to heat and cook the milk mixture.
  • Whisk - A whisk to stir and combine the ingredients smoothly.
  • Separate bowl - A bowl to mix the cornstarch with cold milk before adding it to the saucepan.
  • Serving dishes - Individual serving dishes or a large serving dish to pour and set the Mhalabiya.
  • Plastic wrap - Plastic wrap to cover the serving dishes before refrigerating.
  • Garnishing tools - Chopped pistachios and dried rose petals to garnish the Mhalabiya before serving.

Recipe variations

  • Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle vanilla flavor.
  • Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener alternative.
  • Sprinkle ground cinnamon or cardamom on top for extra flavor.
  • Top with fresh fruits like sliced strawberries, raspberries, or mango chunks.
  • Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mixture for a chocolate twist.
  • Drizzle the mhalabiya with caramel sauce or chocolate sauce.
  • Create a pistachio crust by crushing pistachios and pressing them into the bottom of the serving dish before pouring the mixture.
  • Infuse the milk with other flavors such as saffron, lavender, or cinnamon sticks before making the mhalabiya.

Recipe overview

Mhalabiya is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert, known for its silky texture and delicate floral flavors. With origins in Lebanon and parts of the Mediterranean, this milk pudding is loved for its simplicity and elegance. In this recipe, we'll combine milk, sugar, and cornstarch to form a creamy base. We'll then infuse this with traditional flavorings of rose water and orange blossom water, adding a hint of luxury to this humble dish. Once set, the Mhalabiya is topped with chopped pistachios and dried rose petals for a bit of texture and a lovely pop of color. This dessert is perfect for serving at family gatherings, celebrations, or simply as an indulgent treat for yourself. It's a straightforward recipe that even novice cooks can master, and the result is a truly delightful dessert that will transport your taste buds to the Middle East. Enjoy the process of cooking and indulge in the creamy, floral notes of Mhalabiya!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole milk, low-fat milk, or even plant-based milk like almond milk or coconut milk.
  2. Can I substitute the sugar with a different sweetener?
    Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary, so adjust according to your taste.
  3. Can I omit the rose water and orange blossom water?
    Yes, if you prefer a more subtle flavor, you can omit the rose water and orange blossom water. The Mhalabiya will still be delicious without them.
  4. How long does it take for the Mhalabiya to set in the refrigerator?
    It usually takes about 2 hours for the Mhalabiya to fully set in the refrigerator, but you can leave it for longer if desired.
  5. Can I make Mhalabiya in advance?
    Absolutely! Mhalabiya can be made a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
  6. What other toppings or garnishes can I use?
    Apart from chopped pistachios and dried rose petals, you can also use toasted almonds, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon as additional toppings.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl large enough to mix the ingredients together.
  • Saucepan - A medium-sized saucepan to heat and cook the milk mixture.
  • Whisk - A whisk to stir and combine the ingredients smoothly.
  • Serving Dishes - Individual serving dishes or a large serving dish to present the Mhalabiya.
  • Plastic Wrap - To cover the Mhalabiya while it sets in the refrigerator.
  • Chopping Board - A board to chop the pistachios for garnish.
  • Knife - A sharp knife to chop the pistachios and trim the dried rose petals.

Origin stories

Mhalabiya, also known as Lebanese milk pudding, is a dessert steeped in Middle Eastern tradition. It's a delightful concoction that dates back to the Abbasid Caliphate in the Middle Ages. The Caliph Al-Ma'mun had a Persian cook who prepared this delicate, fragrant dessert. The cook was inspired by a dream where he was told to feed the leader with a mixture of sugar, milk, and rice. The dream also emphasized that this mixture would bring health and happiness to the Caliphate. In the morning, the cook prepared the dish as per his dream, and it was well received. This was the birth of Mhalabiya! The dessert later spread across the Middle East and North Africa, with each region adding its unique touches to it. Today, it's enjoyed with adornments of rose petals and chopped pistachios, a nod to both the dessert's heritage and the aesthetic sensibilities of the region.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.