If you have a craving for something silky, refreshing, and delightfully fragrant, let me introduce you to a true gem from Middle Eastern cuisine: the Malabi (Dairy-Free Middle Eastern Pudding with Floral Notes) Recipe. This dessert is a tender, plant-based pudding that comes alive with gentle floral essences like rose water or orange blossom, making each spoonful an elegant experience. It’s wonderfully light, naturally dairy-free, and incredibly easy to make at home, perfect for those moments you want something sweet but not heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe me, this recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the smooth texture, subtle sweetness, and beautiful aroma that make this dessert unforgettable.
- 2 cups almond or coconut milk: Choose your favorite plant milk to create a creamy, dairy-free base that’s both light and flavorful.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: This is your secret thickening agent, making the pudding silky and luscious without any dairy.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the floral notes without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water: The star ingredient that gives this pudding its enchanting floral aroma and subtle tang.
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios: Adds a lovely crunch and a pop of nutty flavor that complements the smooth pudding beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (optional): For those who love an added texture and a hint of tropical sweetness.
How to Make Malabi (Dairy-Free Middle Eastern Pudding with Floral Notes) Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by whisking the almond or coconut milk together with cornstarch and sugar in a saucepan. This careful blending is key to preventing lumps and ensuring your pudding has that irresistible smoothness. The cornstarch is what will give it that perfect velvety consistency.
Step 2: Cook to Perfection
Place the saucepan over medium heat and keep stirring continuously. This keeps the pudding from sticking and allows it to thicken evenly. You’ll notice it gradually transitions from a liquid to a creamy, pudding-like texture—this usually takes around 10 minutes. Patience here really pays off!
Step 3: Infuse the Floral Flavor
Once your pudding has thickened and is removed from the heat, stir in the rose water or orange blossom water. This step is magical. The delicate, fragrant notes will bloom throughout the pudding, elevating a simple dessert into something truly memorable.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Pour the pudding into individual serving cups or bowls. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This waiting time allows the pudding to set fully, giving it that elegant, firm yet soft texture that’s perfect for spoons to glide through.
How to Serve Malabi (Dairy-Free Middle Eastern Pudding with Floral Notes) Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle the pudding generously with chopped pistachios for a delightful crunch and a burst of color. A scattering of shredded coconut works wonders too for those who want a little extra texture and tropical flair. These simple touches make the dessert visually stunning and add layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
Malabi is incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with fresh fruits like pomegranate seeds or sliced kiwi. These light sides bring freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy floral pudding. Alternatively, a cup of strong mint tea complements the delicate sweetness perfectly, making for a lovely dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your Malabi with berry compote or a drizzle of date syrup for an elegant twist. Serving it in clear glasses lets the soft white pudding contrast beautifully with vibrant toppings, creating a festive and inviting look that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Malabi can be covered tightly with plastic wrap or transferred to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days without losing its delicate texture or flavor.
Freezing
While Malabi can be frozen, I recommend doing so only if necessary, as the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and leave some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
This pudding is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer it warm, gently heat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent clumps and maintain its silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other plant-based milks for this Malabi recipe?
Absolutely! While almond and coconut milk are classic choices, you can experiment with oat or soy milk. Just keep in mind that some plant milks have stronger flavors that may affect the overall taste.
How important is the rose water or orange blossom water?
The floral water is essential for achieving the signature delicate aroma that defines Malabi. If you don’t have either on hand, the pudding will still be tasty but missing that authentic fragrance.
Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?
If nuts are a concern, substitute almond milk with coconut or another nut-free plant milk and skip the pistachio garnish. The dessert will still be creamy and delightful.
Can I make this pudding sweeter or less sweet?
Yes, the recipe is quite flexible. Adjust the sugar quantity according to your taste, keeping in mind that the floral water adds subtle sweetness that complements rather than overpowers.
How do I know when the pudding has thickened enough?
When cooking, the pudding is ready once it coats the back of a spoon and doesn’t run off immediately. The texture should be smooth, thick, and glossy. Continuous stirring helps achieve this perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
Making the Malabi (Dairy-Free Middle Eastern Pudding with Floral Notes) Recipe at home is like inviting a little magic into your kitchen. It’s light, fragrant, and wonderfully comforting — the kind of dessert that feels special yet effortless. I encourage you to try it soon, savor every creamy bite, and maybe even customize it with your favorite garnishes. Once you do, it might just become your new favorite way to end a meal.
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Malabi (Dairy-Free Middle Eastern Pudding with Floral Notes) Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Silky and delicate Middle Eastern dairy-free pudding made with plant-based milk and flavored with fragrant rose or orange blossom water. This light and refreshing dessert is garnished with crunchy pistachios and optional shredded coconut for a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups (480 ml) almond milk or coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- 2 tablespoons shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together the almond or coconut milk, cornstarch, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
- Cook Pudding: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent clumping or burning. Continue cooking until the pudding thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Flavoring: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the rose water or orange blossom water to infuse the pudding with its signature floral aroma.
- Pour and Chill: Pour the pudding evenly into serving cups or bowls. Allow it to cool slightly at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to fully set and chill.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish each pudding cup with chopped pistachios and, if desired, shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar quantity to suit your taste preference.
- For a different flavor profile, substitute rose water with orange blossom water.
- Serve the pudding well chilled for the best texture and refreshment.
- Ensure to stir constantly while cooking to avoid lumps or burning at the bottom.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
