Μαχαλεπί

Μαχαλεπί

Μαχαλεπί (mah-hah-leh-PEE)

Rose Water Pudding

Prep Time 15 min
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 163 kcal

A delicate, silky-smooth pudding set with cornstarch and perfumed with rose water, served chilled with a drizzle of rose syrup and crushed pistachios.

Nutrition & Info

160 kcal per serving
Protein 2.0g
Carbs 32.0g
Fat 3.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ nuts

Equipment Needed

saucepan whisk serving bowls

Presentation Guide

Vessel: glass dessert bowls

Garnishes: rose syrup, crushed pistachios, rose petals

Instructions

  1. 1

    Dissolve cornstarch in 1 cup of cold water, stirring until smooth.

  2. 2

    Bring remaining water and sugar to a boil in a saucepan.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat and gradually pour in the cornstarch mixture while whisking constantly.

  4. 4

    Continue whisking over low heat until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Remove from heat, stir in rose water. Pour into serving bowls.

  6. 6

    Refrigerate for at least 3 hours until set. Serve topped with rose syrup and crushed pistachios.

💡

Did You Know?

Mahalepi vendors once roamed Cypriot streets with large trays on their heads — a sight still remembered fondly by older Cypriots.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • saucepan
  • whisk
  • serving bowls

Garnishing

rose syrup, crushed pistachios, rose petals

The Story Behind Μαχαλεπί

Mahalepi is a beloved summer dessert that arrived in Cyprus during the Ottoman period. Its simplicity — essentially flavoured starch pudding — belies its elegant taste. Rose water gives it a distinctly Middle Eastern character, and it remains the island's favourite light dessert on hot summer evenings.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed summer dessert, after dinner 📜 Origins: Ottoman-era

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