Description
Mhalbi is a traditional Lebanese dessert that is creamy, delicious, and garnished with nuts and coconut.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup crushed pistachios (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm, but do not let it boil.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the warm milk, stirring constantly.
- Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture into individual serving bowls or a large dish. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Before serving, garnish with crushed pistachios, shredded coconut, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk.
- Add a splash of rose water or orange blossom water to the mixture before pouring it into bowls for a traditional flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg