Mhalabiya (Middle Eastern Milk Pudding)
Mhalabiya, also known as Mahalabia, is a popular Middle Eastern milk pudding that has a smooth texture and delicate flavor. It’s typically made with milk, sugar, cornstarch, and flavorings such as cardamom or rose water, and garnished with mixed nuts or shredded coconut. Mhalabiya is served chilled and can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect dessert to make for a gathering!
The ingredients
01. Whole milk
This forms the base of the dessert and provides its creamy texture.
02. Granulated sugar
Sugar is added for sweetness. You can adjust the amount you use depending on personal preference.
03. Cornstarch
This is used as a thickening agent to give Mhalabiya its pudding-like consistency. Cornstarch is traditionally used, but you can also substitute it for rice flour.
04. Table cream
Table cream is optional but we love adding it at the end for more richness!
Why we love Mhalabiya
What we love most about this dessert is it’s simplicity, delicate flavors, and it’s easily adaptable to suit different tastes and preferences. Some common flavorings include cardamom (our personal favorite), rose water, and orange blossom water. You can also add vanilla extract or keep it plain for a sweet milk pudding.
Watch how we made it:
How to Serve
Mhalabiya is best served chilled. You can garnish it with nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts for some crunch. You can also add shredded coconut, pomegranate seeds, dried rose buds, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you’re making this for a gathering, we recommend serving them in individual cups!
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Mhalabiya
Ingredients
- 4 cups Whole milk
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 2/3 cup Table cream
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, optional
- 1 tbsp rose water or orange blossom water, optional
Instructions
- In a pot over medium heat, add the milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk constantly until the mixture begins to thicken, about 10 minutes.
- Lower the heat and continue whisking until the mixture becomes a pudding-like consistency.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the table cream along with your flavoring of choice.
- Spoon the mhalabiya into individual cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish when ready to serve.
