A Sweet and Elegant Middle Eastern Dessert

Rose Mehalabya Milk Pudding is a creamy, fragrant Middle Eastern dessert that combines the richness of milk with the subtle floral notes of rose water. This elegant pudding has a silky-smooth texture and is lightly sweetened, making it perfect for a light dessert after a meal or as a special treat for festive occasions. Topped with chopped nuts, it adds a delightful crunch to every spoonful. Whether you’re familiar with Middle Eastern sweets or looking to try something new, this recipe is a simple yet exotic treat.

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp rose water
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Chopped nuts (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Heat the Milk:
   • In a medium-sized pot, pour the 4 cups of milk and set it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom as it heats.
2. Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture:
   • In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until smooth. This will serve as the thickening agent for the pudding.
3. Sweeten the Milk:
   • Once the milk is warm, add 1/2 cup of sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves into the milk.
4. Thicken the Pudding:
   • Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the warm milk while stirring continuously. This helps to avoid lumps and ensures a smooth texture.
   • Keep stirring over low heat as the mixture thickens, which should take about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the pudding coats the back of your spoon.
5. Add Flavor:
   • Once the pudding has thickened, remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 tsp of rose water and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract. These ingredients give the dessert its beautiful fragrance and flavor.
6. Cool and Set:
   • Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or small bowls. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for a few hours. The chilling process helps the pudding set and enhances its creamy texture.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Before serving, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of each pudding for added crunch and decoration. Pistachios or almonds work beautifully with this dessert.

Tips and Techniques

• Cornstarch Mixture: Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the water before adding it to the milk. This will prevent lumps from forming in your pudding.
• Rose Water: Adjust the amount of rose water according to your preference. If you’re new to floral flavors, start with a small amount and add more if you enjoy a stronger fragrance.
• Chilled Pudding: Allow enough time for the pudding to chill in the refrigerator—this not only helps set the pudding but also brings out the flavors better.

A Delicate, Fragrant Treat

Rose Mehalabya Milk Pudding is a lovely way to indulge in a sweet and creamy dessert with a unique floral twist. Its soft texture combined with the subtle flavors of rose water and vanilla make it a perfect dessert for special occasions or as a luxurious end to any meal. The crunchy nuts on top provide a satisfying contrast to the smoothness of the pudding. Simple to make yet rich in flavor, this dessert is sure to impress your family and guests alike.