Full Recipe
Author
Food Network Kitchen | 2023-09-21
Description
Muhallebi, also known as mahalabiya or mahalabiyeh, is a popular Middle Eastern dessert similar to a milk pudding. It's famous for its creamy, comforting texture and is particularly easy to put together: This recipe takes about 20 minutes, though you'll have to plan ahead for a few hours of cooling and chilling since muhallebi is served cold. It's popular year-round but is a particular favorite during Ramadan. The white pudding is usually highlighted with a colorful topping such as pistachios, edible rose petals, strawberries or even jelly. This is a pretty standard version enjoyed in Turkey and is similar to the one I learned from a friend's mother when I lived in Istanbul. While some versions of the dish add egg or cream, this recipe is milk-based but still very silky and creamy. Rosewater and cardamom flavor the pudding, while ground pistachios and rose petals on top give it color and texture. It's said that muhallebi was introduced to the Arab world by a Persian cook in the 7th century, and written recipes date back to the 10th century, making it a delicious taste of history.
