Vanilla Rose Malabi
A silky, refreshing Middle Eastern milk pudding infused with delicate rose water and topped with a vibrant, crunchy garnish.
Ingredients
- •2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- •1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- •1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
- •1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- •1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- •1 tablespoon rose water
- •1/4 cup (30g) crushed pistachios for topping
- •2 tablespoons dried edible rose petals for garnish
- •2 tablespoons pomegranate syrup (grenadine) for drizzling
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1/2 cup of the milk until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- 2
In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to steam.
- 3
Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- 4
Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- 5
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and rose water.
- 6
Pour the pudding evenly into four individual ramekins or small glass bowls.
- 7
Let the bowls cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firmly set.
- 8
Before serving, drizzle each bowl with a little pomegranate syrup and top with crushed pistachios and dried rose petals.
💡 Chef tips
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cream with full-fat canned coconut milk, though the flavor profile will be slightly tropical.
- Malabi is best made a day in advance, as the texture firms up beautifully overnight in the refrigerator.
- Ensure you whisk the cornstarch mixture thoroughly before adding it to the hot milk to avoid any powdery pockets in the final pudding.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dessert should be a smooth, wobbly, and creamy pudding that smells faintly of floral rose and sweet vanilla, offering a perfect balance of silky texture and crunchy, tart toppings.