January 27, 2022

Indulge in the Delightful Taste of Muhallebi – A Popular Middle Eastern Dessert

Indulge in the Delightful Taste of Muhallebi – A Popular Middle Eastern Dessert
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Muhallebi is a well-loved dessert in Middle Eastern cuisine that boasts a creamy and silky texture. If you have a sweet tooth for milk-based desserts, Muhallebi is a must-try. Made with just four main ingredients, it is a simple and easy dessert to prepare. As someone who has lived in the UAE for over two decades, I have developed a fondness for Arabic cuisine and its diverse range of sweets – from deep-fried Lugaimat to Cheesy kunafa. However, Muhallebi is undoubtedly one of my all-time favourites.

Masth Facts – The Origins and Variations

According to Wikipedia, Muhallebi was introduced into Arab cuisine by a Persian cook who was so enamoured by the dessert that he named it after himself. It is known by different names in different countries, with the Turkish and Iraqi variant referred to as Muhallebi, the Egyptian version called Mahalabia, and the Lebanese and Syrian variation known as Mahalayeh.

Masth Tips – How to Make Muhallebi and Serving Suggestions

When preparing Muhallebi, you can use either corn flour or rice flour as the thickening agent. Corn flour-based Muhallebi has a smoother consistency, while rice flour-based Muhallebi has a thicker, grainier texture. The recipe involves boiling milk with flour and sugar until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Rose water is a popular flavouring used in this dessert, but you can also use orange blossom water, vanilla extract or cinnamon powder to add a unique twist.

The versatility of this dessert doesn’t end there. You can garnish it with a variety of toppings such as fresh fruits, chopped nuts, rose petals or even melted chocolate. I discovered a delicious and unique way to garnish my Muhallebi by using gulkhand, which elevated its flavour and presentation. You can also serve Muhallebi alongside other desserts like Falooda, a refreshing fruit ice cream made with milk, jelly, basil seeds and rose syrup.

Cool the Muhallebi and sprinkle it with chopped nuts or rose petals to garnish before serving. Whether it’s a dessert for a special occasion or simply to indulge in your sweet cravings, Muhallebi is a versatile and delightful dessert that you won’t regret trying.

Muhallabiah

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cups Milk 500 ml
  • 3 Tablespoon Corn flour
  • ½ Cup Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Rose water However you can use orange blossom water or cinnamon powder or vanilla extract or skip it all together for a sweet milk pudding.
  • Pistachios Garnish / optional
  • Rose petals Garnish / optional

Instructions
 

  • Begin by dissolving corn flour in half a cup of milk.
  • In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk and add sugar.
  • Next, whisk in the corn flour mixture and stir continuously until the pudding thickens.
  • Remove from heat and add flavorings such as rose water.
  • Pour the pudding into individual cups and allow to cool in the fridge for a few hours.
  •  Before serving, garnish with chopped nuts and rose petals.

Video

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