Malabi (Israeli Rosewater Milk Pudding with Syrup)
Local name: מלבי
In short: A silky, lightly set milk pudding scented with rose water, topped with pink syrup, pistachios and coconut, and served chilled in glasses. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 3 h 20 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 295 kcal
Malabi is a chilled milk pudding found at street stalls and restaurants across Israel, set only with cornstarch so it stays soft and silky. It is scented with rose water, poured into glasses and finished with a pink rose syrup, chopped pistachios and shredded coconut. It takes 15 minutes of cooking and a few hours in the fridge, and it suits summer evenings or the end of a heavy meal.
Instructions
- Whisk the cornstarch with 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the cold milk until smooth.
- Heat the remaining milk, the cream and the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
- Whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Cook, whisking constantly, for 4 to 6 minutes, until thick and just beginning to bubble, then cook for 1 minute more.
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in the rose water. Pour into 6 glasses or small bowls and cool for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, until set.
- For the syrup, simmer the sugar and water for 5 minutes. Add the fruit juice, cool and stir in the rose water.
- Spoon the syrup over the chilled puddings and top with pistachios, coconut and rose petals.
Tips
- Whisk constantly over moderate heat, because cornstarch puddings catch on the bottom. If lumps form, pour the pudding through a fine sieve into the glasses.
- Rose water strength varies by brand. Start with 2 tsp, taste and add more, since too much tastes like soap.
Questions and answers
What does malabi taste like?
Creamy, lightly sweet and floral, like a soft milk pudding with a rose aroma and sweet syrup. Pistachios and coconut add crunch.
Is malabi gluten-free?
Yes. It is set with cornstarch, so it is naturally gluten-free.
How long does malabi keep?
Up to 3 days, covered, in the fridge. Add the syrup and toppings just before serving.
How long does it take to make Malabi (Israeli Rosewater Milk Pudding with Syrup)?
About 25 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Malabi (Israeli Rosewater Milk Pudding with Syrup)?
About 295 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 39 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 295 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 33 g |
| Sodium | 70 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
