Muhallabia pudding is a popular dessert that originated in the Middle East and has since spread to various parts of the world. This creamy and delicious pudding is made from a combination of milk, sugar, and cornstarch, and is often flavored with rose water or orange blossom water. It is a simple yet satisfying dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
One of the reasons why this pudding has become so popular is because of its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, anyone can make this delicious dessert at home. Additionally, it is a versatile dessert that can be served in a variety of ways, such as with fresh fruit or nuts. Whether you are a fan of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine or simply looking for a new dessert to try, it is worth a try.
One evening, a group of friends and I had dinner at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Seattle, Washington. After a delicious meal, a middle-aged Middle Eastern waitress brought a dessert to their table. It was a creamy, sweet, and fragrant pudding that left a lasting impression on us. During our dessert, a belly dance performance took place, adding to the exotic atmosphere of the restaurant.
After the performance ended, one of my friends requested the recipe from the restaurant chef, who agreed to share it. The recipe contained simple ingredients that were readily available in most grocery stores. These are the main ingredients: milk, fresh cream, sugar, cornstarch, rose water, powdered pistachios, and dried rose petals.
With these ingredients, anyone can easily make this delicious dessert at home.
Dishes to Eat Before Muhallabia Dessert
Before indulging in the creamy and sweet Muhallabia pudding, it’s best to start with some savory dishes to balance out the flavors. Here are some dishes that would make a great appetizer or main course before enjoying the dessert:
- Hummus: A classic Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s perfect for dipping pita bread or vegetables and provides a savory and tangy flavor to start the meal.
- Tabbouleh: A fresh and healthy salad made from parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat. It’s light and refreshing, providing a contrast to the richness of the pudding.
- Kibbeh: A popular Lebanese dish made from ground meat, bulgur wheat, and spices. It can be fried or baked and is often served with a yogurt or tahini sauce.
- Shish Tawook: Grilled chicken skewers marinated in yogurt, garlic, and spices. It’s a flavorful and protein-packed option that pairs well with the creamy pudding.
- Fattoush: A salad made from mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and crispy pita chips. It’s dressed with a tangy and herbaceous vinaigrette and provides a refreshing crunch to the meal.
These dishes are just a few examples of what can be enjoyed before this delicious dessert. They all provide a balance of flavors and textures, making for a satisfying and enjoyable meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of fresh cream
- 1/3 cup of white sugar
- 1 tbsp of cornstarch
- 2-3 tsp of rose water or 1-2 teaspoons of orange blossom water
- Powdered pistachios to garnish
- Dried rose petals to garnish (optional)
How to Make Muhallabia Pudding?
- Making Muhallabia pudding is a simple process that requires a few basic ingredients and some patience. To make this creamy and delicious dessert, follow these easy steps:
- First, dissolve the cornstarch in 3 tablespoons of milk in a little bowl.
- Next, pour the remaining milk, cream, and sugar into a thick, heavy-based pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes with a whisk to prevent scorching.
- As the mixture thickens and reduces slightly, add the cornstarch and quickly whisk the mixture together. Keep the heat at a minimum and add the rose water, stirring it in. Turn off the heat.
- Pour the mixture into dessert bowls or serving glasses such as vodka shot glasses, small tea cups, or Turkish tea glasses. Give the glasses a little tap to make the mix sit right.
- Let the pudding chill a bit, then cover the top of the glasses with plastic wrap. Put it in the fridge for at least 3 hours before eating. It’s best if you leave it overnight.
- Finally, top the pudding with small bits of crushed pistachios and some dried rose petals. for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Variations of Muhallabia Pudding
Here are some of the most popular variations of Muhallabia pudding:
Coconut Muhallabia Pudding
Coconut Muhallabia pudding is a creamy and delicious dessert that is perfect for coconut lovers. This variation of the dessert replaces the milk with coconut milk and adds shredded coconut to the mix. The result is a rich, creamy pudding that is bursting with coconut flavor.
Chocolate Muhallabia Pudding
Chocolate Muhallabia pudding is a decadent dessert that is perfect for chocolate lovers. This variation of the dessert adds cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the mix, giving it a rich, chocolatey flavor. It can be served with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an extra indulgent treat.
Pistachio Muhallabia Pudding
Pistachio Muhallabia pudding is a nutty and flavorful dessert that is perfect for those who love pistachios. This variation of the dessert adds ground pistachios to the mix, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It can be garnished with chopped pistachios and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
Fruit Muhallabia Pudding
Fruit Muhallabia pudding is a refreshing and fruity dessert that is perfect for the summer months. This variation of the dessert adds fresh fruit such as strawberries, mangoes, or peaches to the mix, giving it a burst of flavor and color. It can be served with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
Overall, Muhallabia pudding is a versatile dessert that can be customized to suit anyone’s tastes. Whether you prefer coconut, chocolate, pistachio, or fruit, there is a variation of this delicious dessert that is perfect for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Muhallabia pudding is a delightful dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries in the Middle East and North Africa. Its creamy texture and delicate flavor make it a perfect ending to any meal.
It is easy to make and can be customized to suit individual tastes. It is a versatile dessert that can be served hot or cold and can be flavored with a variety of ingredients such as rose water, orange blossom water, or cardamom.
One of the great things about this pudding is that it is a healthy dessert option. It is made with milk, sugar, and cornstarch, and contains no eggs or butter. This makes it a great option for those who are looking for a lighter dessert alternative.
Overall, Muhallabia pudding is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are entertaining guests or simply looking for a sweet treat, this dessert is sure to please.
By the way, as a main course, you can have fish mutabak rice.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):
