Muhalabieh is a creamy Middle Eastern milk pudding infused with rosewater and topped with crushed pistachios.
MIDDLE EASTERN DESSERTS
In the Middle East people like to add roses to desserts. Rose petals, rose syrup, rose water and even rose jam are used. Pistachios are also very commonly used, they are either sprinkled over desserts or added to make cookies, baklava, yogurts, and ice cream.
This recipe is my Mum’s recipe. Although my Mum is Russian but she lived in Jordan for a while now. She loves Middle Eastern cuisine and in Jordan, she learned how to cook delicious Levantine dishes. I remember when I was a child my mum used to make this Middle Eastern milk pudding recipe infused with rose water, and always generously topped it with pistachios. This dessert is called Muhalabieh.
MUHALABIEH
The recipe is very frugal and simple. It’s made from ingredients that you probably already have in your cupboards. It’s basically made with milk, sugar, rose water and corn starch. Cooking these 4 ingredients together will result in this exotic dessert with a hint of rose water and the most beautiful garnishes. I adore the color of the crushed pistachios with the rose petals, but the garnishes can, of course, be altered. You can add almonds, desiccated coconut, pomegranate seeds or even cocoa nibs!
In this post I’m sharing the traditional recipe with you, it’s the recipe that we usually make at home and very similar to what you would get if you order it at a restaurant or a cafe or buy it from a store. However, if you are trying to cut down on calories and make a lighter version, reduce the amount of sugar to 2 tbsp instead of 100 grams and use fresh semi-skimmed milk.
I personally like to eat Muhalabieh when it’s chilled, but some people like to have it warm right after it’s cooked. I also created this video to show you step by step how I make Muhalabieh.
Muhalabieh (Middle Eastern Milk Pudding Dessert)
Ingredients
- 2 cups (500 ml) milk
- ½ cup (100 grams) sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornflour
- 1 tablespoon rose water
- pistachios and rose petals for garnish
Instructions
- Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the sugar, cornflour and rose water.
- Whisk continuously until the milk starts thickening. Do not leave the stove as the milk can get burnt easily.
- Once the milk starts to thicken and get a cream-like consistency, remove from heat. The cream won't be super thick at this point but don't worry it will thicken when it's chilled.
- Prepare 4 (completely dry) glass bowls, and divide the mixture between them.
- Let the mixture cool down at room temperature for about half an hour, then transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours.
- When the pudding is completely chilled, flip over on a plate and garnish with chopped pistachios and rose petals if desired.
Sarah
I tried this but increaseing the amount so I did it with 2L of milk and the measurements to go along with that amount.. unfortunately it didn’t set what did i do wrong? 🙁 please help
Diana
Hi Sarah, I’m sorry to hear it didn’t set. Were you able to get it to a thick cream consistency as you cooked it?
Rachel
I recently tried this at a Middle Eastern food festival in Sydney and absolutely fell in love! Thank you for the recipe!
Kim Styles
this looks amazing and yet looks quite simple to make – I must try it as we all love milk puddings
Tracy Nixon
This one of my favourite desserts. I often make it!
Leila Benhamida
This one of my favourite dessert. Well done looks fabulous
Catherine Brown
I love the presentation of this dish! and the video! 😉
Sarah
What a gorgeous looking and sounding recipe! I’ve never tried a2 milk, but am now completely intrigued!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
This reminds me of panna cotta – which is one of my favorites, but I have relatives who have issues with dairy. This a2 milk sounds like it would solve that issue — and it’s such a lovely dessert, too! Great video!
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I’ve never heard of a2milk but sounds like it’s worth taking a look at. Such a gorgeous presentation of this recipe.
Amy
These are such pretty desserts and the milk sounds fab as it looks like it can solve a problem for some people!
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert
How lovely! This is one gorgeous dessert and I bet it tastes fantastic. Love the pistachios too!
Diana
It does taste amazing, what I really love about this dessert is the texture.
Christina | Christina's Cucina
What a pretty presentation for a lovely and light summer dessert!
Diana
Thank you Christina, Middle Eastern desserts always involve either pistachios, rose petals or a mixture of nuts.
Jagruti
Such an elegant looking dish, silky and yummy!
Trang
Such a simple yet beautiful dessert! Your photos are lovely 🙂
Amy @ The Cook Report
These photos are so gorgeous and the recipe is so simple, love it!
Diana
Gotta love easy and simple recipes!
Margaret gallagher
Looks DELICIOUS and easy to MAKE
Certainly one I’d try