Description
Mahalabia, also known as muhallebi, is a silky Middle Eastern milk pudding delicately flavored with rosewater and orange blossom water. Lightly sweet and beautifully fragrant, this chilled dessert is simple to prepare and perfect for elegant entertaining.
Ingredients
- 500 ml whole milk
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (about 50 g)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (about 16 g)
- 2 tablespoons food-grade rosewater (30 ml)
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (15 ml)
- Topping: 2 tablespoons finely ground unsalted pistachios
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of the milk with cornstarch until completely smooth.
- Pour remaining milk into a saucepan and add sugar. Stir to combine.
- Add the dissolved cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and whisk thoroughly.
- Place over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent sticking.
- Cook 8–12 minutes until thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in rosewater and orange blossom water.
- Pour into serving glasses or ramekins.
- Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 3–4 hours until fully set.
- Top with crushed pistachios and dried cranberries before serving.
Notes
- Dissolve cornstarch in cold milk to prevent lumps.
- Adjust rosewater to taste; strength varies by brand.
- Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
- Store refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
