Authentic Mhallabiyeh Recipe from Lebanon | Creamy Rice Pudding with Sweet Sugar Syrup

Mhallabiyeh

Authentic Mhallabiyeh Recipe from Lebanon | Creamy Rice Pudding with Sweet Sugar Syrup
Region / culture: Lebanon | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mhallabiyeh
Mhallabiyeh

Mhallabiyeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that is loved for its creamy texture and delicate flavor. This recipe is simple yet delicious, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

History

Mhallabiyeh has been enjoyed in the Middle East for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Ottoman Empire. It is a popular dessert in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, where it is often served during special occasions and celebrations.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Dilute the rice in a small amount of cold water. Boil the milk and add the rice. Stir until the mixture thickens. Pour into cups and let it cool. Sprinkle pistachios on the surface before serving.

Variations

  • You can add a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the mixture for a hint of spice.
  • For a vegan version, you can use almond milk or coconut milk instead of dairy milk.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the mixture constantly while cooking to prevent lumps from forming.

- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of rose water or orange blossom water to the mixture.

- To make the dessert even creamier, you can use full-fat milk instead of low-fat milk.

Serving Suggestions

Mhallabiyeh can be served chilled or at room temperature. You can garnish it with additional pistachios or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a perfect Mhallabiyeh is to cook the mixture slowly over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have powdered rice, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent.

Make Ahead Tips

Mhallabiyeh can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to sprinkle the pistachios on top right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mhallabiyeh in elegant dessert cups or small bowls for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish it with a sprig of mint or a drizzle of honey for added flair.

Pairing Recommendations

Mhallabiyeh pairs well with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced peaches. It also goes well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Mhallabiyeh in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mhallabiyeh contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mhallabiyeh contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mhallabiyeh contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mhallabiyeh contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mhallabiyeh is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and potassium.

Alergens

Mhallabiyeh contains dairy and nuts.

Summary

Mhallabiyeh is a creamy and delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious treat.

Summary

Mhallabiyeh is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, it is the perfect way to end any meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Lebanon. My mother had invited some friends over for dinner, and she wanted to make a special dessert to impress them. She had heard of a traditional Lebanese dessert called mhallabiyeh, but she had never made it before.

My mother and I spent the entire day in the kitchen, trying out different recipes and techniques to get the mhallabiyeh just right. We used fresh milk, sugar, and cornstarch as the base, and we added rose water and orange blossom water for flavor. We cooked the mixture slowly over a low flame, stirring constantly until it thickened. Then we poured it into individual serving dishes and let it cool in the refrigerator.

When our guests arrived that evening, my mother served the mhallabiyeh with a sprinkle of pistachios on top. It was a hit! Our guests couldn't stop raving about how delicious it was, and my mother was beaming with pride. From that moment on, mhallabiyeh became a staple in our household.

As the years went by, I watched my mother make mhallabiyeh countless times. I learned all of her tips and tricks, and I even added a few of my own. I experimented with different flavors and toppings, always trying to perfect the recipe. And eventually, I became known as the mhallabiyeh queen among my family and friends.

But it wasn't until I moved to America and started my own family that I truly appreciated the significance of this recipe. It was a way for me to connect with my Lebanese roots, to pass down a piece of my culture to my children. And as I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, I realized just how special it was to have a piece of Lebanon in my kitchen.

Over the years, I have collected many recipes from various places and people, but mhallabiyeh will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of my mother's love and dedication, of the time we spent together in the kitchen, creating something delicious to share with those we care about. And every time I make mhallabiyeh for my family, I feel a connection to my past, to my heritage, and to the traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

So, if you ever find yourself in my kitchen, savoring a spoonful of creamy, fragrant mhallabiyeh, know that you are not just tasting a dessert. You are tasting a piece of my history, a piece of my heart. And I hope that with each bite, you can feel the love and joy that went into creating this special recipe. Bon appétit!

Categories

| Lebanese Recipes | Lebanese Snacks | Rice Recipes | Snack Recipes |

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