Name: Mahalabia (Rose Water Milk Pudding)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 4 cups whole milk or almond milk (Source: 4 cups whole milk or almond milk); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (Source: 1/2 cup granulated sugar); 1/2 cup cornstarch (Source: 1/2 cup cornstarch); 1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon rosewater (Source: 1 teaspoon rosewater; Source: 1/2 teaspoon rosewater); 2 tablespoons unsalted shelled pistachios, (crushed, for garnish) (Source: 2 tablespoons unsalted shelled pistachios, (crushed, for garnish)); 1 pound strawberries, (stems removed and quartered) (Source: 1 pound strawberries, (stems removed and quartered)); 2 tablespoons sugar (Source: 2 tablespoons sugar)

Get to know the ingredients

whole milk or almond milk

In the method: Make the pudding: In a cold medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, and cornstarch until the cornstarch and the sugar have dissolved completely.

granulated sugar

In the method: Make the pudding: In a cold medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, and cornstarch until the cornstarch and the sugar have dissolved completely.

cornstarch

In the method: Make the pudding: In a cold medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, and cornstarch until the cornstarch and the sugar have dissolved completely.

Let’s make it

Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.

Servings

Original recipe: Serves 8. Original quantities shown.

Estimating…

Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.

4 cups whole milk or almond milk
Ingredient note
Source: 4 cups whole milk or almond milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Ingredient note
Source: 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
Ingredient note
Source: 1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon rosewater
Ingredient note
Source: 1 teaspoon rosewater; Source: 1/2 teaspoon rosewater
2 tablespoons unsalted shelled pistachios, (crushed, for garnish)
Ingredient note
Source: 2 tablespoons unsalted shelled pistachios, (crushed, for garnish)
1 pound strawberries, (stems removed and quartered)
Ingredient note
Source: 1 pound strawberries, (stems removed and quartered)
2 tablespoons sugar
Ingredient note
Source: 2 tablespoons sugar

How to make it

0 of 6 steps complete

Make the pudding: In a cold medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, and cornstarch until the cornstarch and the sugar have dissolved completely.
Heat the milk: Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle boil. Whisk constantly so the milk doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Lower the heat to medium and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
Season the pudding: Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the rose water.
Chill: Divide the pudding into 4-8 individual cups. Make sure to leave some space for the macerated strawberries. Set aside to cool, then refrigerate until the pudding is completely set and firm, about 2-3 hours or up to 2 days.
Season the strawberries: In a medium bowl, stir together the strawberries, sugar, and rosewater. Let stand at room temperature until the juices are released, at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. After at least 30 minutes, refrigerate until you are ready to serve (up to one day).
Garnish and serve: Top the pudding with macerated strawberries. Garnish with the crushed pistachios and serve cold.

Make room for Mahalabia (Rose Water Milk Pudding)

Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.

The last little job

Finish as directed

Garnish with the crushed pistachios and serve cold.

A little more help as you go

Prepare the finishing addition

Have the final topping or garnish ready for its specified step.

Prepare the whisked mixture

Keep the whisking step in its stated place in the preparation.

A few questions you might have

What should I prepare first?

Set out the saucepan. Start with this step: Make the pudding: In a cold medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, and cornstarch until the cornstarch and the sugar have dissolved completely.

Which preparation step should I plan for?

Include the chilling step when deciding when to start.

What check should I look for as it cooks?

Set aside to cool, then refrigerate until the pudding is completely set and firm, about 2-3 hours or up to 2 days.

Is there another preparation step to plan for?

Have the final topping or garnish ready for its specified step.

Additional recipe notes

This recipe can be tweaked to your taste. Add more sugar if you have a sweet tooth, or add cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices to give a depth of flavor. Keep a close eye on things while you thicken the milk–whisk constantly to avoid any scorching. Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils , honey , jams , and spices .

Mahalabia (Rose Water Milk Pudding)

1. Allow for chilling

2. Stir as directed

3. Prepare for the next step

Get to know the ingredients

whole milk or almond milk

granulated sugar

cornstarch

Let’s make it

How to make it

Make room for Mahalabia (Rose Water Milk Pudding)

Finish as directed

A little more help as you go

Prepare the finishing addition

Prepare the whisked mixture

A few questions you might have

How did this dish turn out?