Vanilla Rose Malabi
A silky, creamy Middle Eastern milk pudding delicately scented with vanilla and fragrant rose water.
Ingredients
- •2 cups whole milk (480ml)
- •1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
- •1/3 cup cornstarch (40g)
- •1/3 cup granulated sugar (65g)
- •1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
- •1 tablespoon rose water
- •2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios for garnish
- •2 tablespoons dried rose petals for garnish
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, sugar, and about half a cup of the whole milk until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- 2
In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining whole milk and the heavy cream, then whisk in the cornstarch mixture.
- 3
Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to prevent the bottom from scorching.
- 4
Cook the mixture for about 6 to 8 minutes until it thickens significantly and coats the back of a spoon with a custard-like consistency.
- 5
Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently stir in the vanilla bean paste and the rose water until fully incorporated.
- 6
Pour the hot pudding mixture evenly into four individual ramekins, small bowls, or shallow glass cups.
- 7
Allow the puddings to cool slightly at room temperature, then cover them loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until thoroughly chilled and set.
- 8
Just before serving, garnish the top of each malabi with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and dried rose petals.
💡 Chef tips
- You can easily make this dessert dairy-free by substituting full-fat canned coconut milk for the heavy cream and an equal amount of almond milk for the whole milk.
- Malabi can be made up to 2 days in advance; keep them covered tightly in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Be careful not to add too much rose water, as its floral intensity can quickly overpower the delicate vanilla flavor.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dessert should be luxuriously smooth and jiggly yet firm, offering a fragrant aroma of rose and vanilla with a delightful crunch from the pistachios.