How to Make Mahalabia (Lebanese Cardamom Pudding) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Mahalabia, also known as Lebanese cardamom pudding, is a delightful dessert that originates from the Middle East. This creamy, fragrant pudding is made with simple ingredients such as milk, sugar, and cornstarch, and then flavored with the distinct aroma of cardamom. Its velvety texture and delicate taste have made it a popular dessert throughout Lebanon and other countries in the region.

Traditionally, Mahalabia is garnished with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or almonds, adding a ...

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • 6 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 2 drops cardamom-flavored extract
  • ¼ cup water
  • 5 tablespoons white sugar
  • ¼ vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped
  • ¼ cup unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dried rose petals, or as needed

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 55 mins
  • Servings: 5
  • Yield: 5 servings

  • Combine 3/4 cup of the milk and cornstarch in a bowl and stir until smooth.
  • Pour remaining milk into a pot and stir in sugar and cardamom extract. Heat over low heat, stirring until sugar is fully dissolved. Whisk in cornstarch mixture and simmer until thickened, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Pour milk mixture into 5 ramekins, cover, and cool to room temperature. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
  • Combine water, sugar, and vanilla seeds in a pot and bring to a boil over low heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Allow syrup to cool. Sprinkle each serving with pistachios and rose petals. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon syrup.
  • Nutrition

    214 cal.

    • Total Fat: 5g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 8mg
    • Sodium: 42mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 39g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 28g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 123mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 217mg