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Mahalabia (Milk Pudding)

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Mahalabia is the kind of dessert that whispers rather than shouts. Soft, silky, lightly sweet, and delicately scented, it’s a dessert rooted in calm and care. Across the Middle East and Mediterranean, mahalabia is often served at the end of a meal not to overwhelm, but to gently close the table a quiet moment of sweetness after shared food and conversation. Traditionally made with milk thickened just enough to hold its shape, mahalabia is flavored simply with rose water or orange blossom. There’s no rush in making it. The pudding is stirred slowly, poured carefully, and left to set a reminder that some of the most comforting foods are built on patience.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 225
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Equipment

Small Stew Pot

Method
 

  1. Dissolve the Cornstarch
  2. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with ½ cup of the cold milk until smooth.
  3. Heat the Milk
  4. In a saucepan over medium heat, add remaining milk, sugar, and salt.
  5. Warm gently, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  6. Thicken the Pudding
  7. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture.
  8. Continue stirring constantly for 5–7 minutes, until the pudding thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  9. Flavor & Finish
  10. Remove from heat.
  11. Stir in rose water or orange blossom water.
  12. Set & Chill
  13. Pour into small bowls or cups.
  14. Let cool, then refrigerate 1-2 hours until set.
  15. Serve
  16. Top with nuts or fruit just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 8gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 94mgPotassium: 366mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 395IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 0.04mg

Notes

Plant-based: almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work well.
Less sweet: reduce sugar slightly the fragrance carries the dessert.
Layered dessert: serve with fruit compote or crushed biscuits.
Make ahead: keeps 2-3 days refrigerated.

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