This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweetness and floral notes, achieved by simmering milk with sugar and cornstarch, then flavoring with floral waters before chilling to set.

M'halbi not only offers a delicious indulgence but also provides several health benefits. It contains calcium from milk, promoting bone health, while almonds contribute healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E, supporting skin health and reducing inflammation. However, it’s important to note that due to its sugar content, moderation is key, especially for those managing blood sugar levels. Enjoying this dessert can be a wonderful way to savor the cultural traditions of Algeria while benefiting from its nourishing qualities.

Ingredients:

For the M'halbi:

- 1 liter of milk

- 100 grams of cornstarch

- 150 grams of granulated sugar

- 1-2 tablespoons of rose or orange blossom water (adjust to your preference)

- A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)

For the Garnish (optional):

- Toasted and chopped almonds or pistachios

- Ground cinnamon

Instructions:

- Mix the Cornstarch: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with a bit of cold milk, and stir until it forms a smooth paste. Make sure there are no lumps.

- Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, pour the remaining milk and heat it over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir until it's fully dissolved. Bring the milk to a gentle simmer.

- Add the Cornstarch: Once the milk is simmering, gradually add the cornstarch paste while continuously stirring the milk. This will help prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook the mixture over low to medium heat while stirring constantly.

- Flavor with Rose or Orange Blossom Water: After a few minutes, the mixture will thicken. At this point, add the rose or orange blossom water. Adjust the quantity to your taste. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the mixture has a creamy consistency.

- Pour into Serving Dishes: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour the M'halbi into individual serving dishes or a large serving bowl. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

- Chill: Once the M'halbi reaches room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and refrigerate for a few hours, or until it's cold and set.

- Serve: When ready to serve, you can garnish the M'halbi with a pinch of ground cinnamon and some toasted, chopped almonds or pistachios.

M'halbi is a delectable Algerian dessert that's both easy to prepare and full of rich, aromatic flavors. Enjoy this sweet treat with family and friends, savoring the essence of Algerian cuisine.

Additional suggestions

- Variation in Flavor: You can try different floral waters such as jasmine or lavender to give M'halbi a unique twist. Additionally, consider adding a scoop of protein powder for a nutrient boost or mix in a dash of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.

Note:

- Nutritional Insights for Special Diets: For those monitoring their blood sugar, it’s advisable to consume M'halbi in moderation. Replacing refined sugar with natural alternatives can make it suitable for individuals with diabetes or those seeking to control their sugar intake. Moreover, the fiber from almonds can aid in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

- Cultural Significance: M'halbi is a traditional Algerian dessert often prepared during special occasions and family gatherings. It represents the rich culinary heritage of Algeria, where sweets are an integral part of the social and cultural fabric. The use of floral waters like rose and orange blossom is deeply rooted in North African cuisine, symbolizing the region's love for aromatic flavors and intricate tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use alternative ingredients?

- Yes, for those who follow a plant-based diet or have lactose intolerance, you can substitute cow's milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. These alternatives will still give the dish a creamy texture, though they may alter the flavor slightly. For a gluten-free option, cornstarch is already a suitable choice instead of flour.

Can I add other ingredients to the recipe?

- Yes! You can experiment with adding various fruits such as berries, pomegranate seeds, or citrus zest to enhance the flavor and nutritional content. You can also add more nuts like pistachios or walnuts for added crunch and healthy fats.

How long can I store M'halbi?

- M'halbi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It is best enjoyed when chilled, but can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Ensure it is covered well to prevent the dessert from absorbing unwanted odors from other foods in the fridge.

What are the other health benefits of the ingredients used?

- Rose or Orange Blossom Water: Aside from its aromatic properties, rose water is known for its calming effects, which can help reduce stress. It is also thought to have digestive benefits and can be used to soothe an upset stomach.

- Almonds: These nuts are rich in healthy fats that support heart health and lower cholesterol levels. The fiber in almonds also promotes digestion and helps with weight management by increasing satiety.

Can I reduce sugar in the recipe?

- Yes, to make the dessert less sugary, consider substituting granulated sugar with natural sweeteners such as honey or stevia. These alternatives will still provide sweetness but with a lower glycemic index, making them better choices for those managing their blood sugar levels.

How to Reduce Sugar in the Recipe?

- If you want to reduce the sugar content in M'halbi, you can substitute it with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia. These alternatives provide sweetness without causing sharp spikes in blood sugar levels, making them a healthier choice for those with diabetes or those looking to reduce sugar intake.

Nutritional Values

Here are approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients used in the M'halbi recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use, as well as the serving size. These values are provided per 100 grams of each ingredient:

Milk:

- Calories: 42 kcal

- Protein: 3.4 grams

- Carbohydrates: 4.8 grams

- Sugars: 4.8 grams

- Fat: 1.0 gram

- Calcium: 125 mg

benefits:Milk is a great source of protein and calcium, which are vital for muscle repair, bone health, and overall physical well-being. It provides moderate calories, making M'halbi a healthy dessert when consumed in moderation.

Cornstarch:

- Calories: 381 kcal

- Protein: 0.3 grams

- Carbohydrates: 91.3 grams

- Sugars: 0.3 grams

- Fat: 0.1 gram

- Dietary Fiber: 0.9 grams

benefits:Cornstarch contributes to the pudding’s texture and provides a significant carbohydrate source, offering energy. It is beneficial for those needing quick energy, but its high carbohydrate content should be consumed in moderation.

Granulated Sugar:

- Calories: 387 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 99.98 grams

- Sugars: 99.98 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

benefits:While sugar enhances flavor, it adds high calories with no nutritional value, making it important to consume in limited quantities, especially for individuals managing weight or blood sugar levels.

Rose or Orange Blossom Water

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Protein: 0 grams

- Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Sugars: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Fiber: 0 grams

- Sodium: Trace amounts

- Vitamins: Trace amounts (Vitamin C in some cases)

benefits:Negligible calories, but provides a distinct aroma and calming effect.

Impact: The water adds minimal calories but can help with relaxation and digestive health due to its soothing properties.

Almonds (for garnish):

- Calories: 576 kcal

- Protein: 21.2 grams

- Carbohydrates: 21.7 grams

- Sugars: 4.4 grams

- Fat: 49.9 grams

- Dietary Fiber: 12.5 grams

benefits:Almonds offer a good amount of healthy fats and protein, which promote heart health and support skin and hair. Their fiber content helps with digestion and overall gut health.

Pistachios (for garnish):

- Calories: 562 kcal

- Protein: 20.3 grams

- Carbohydrates: 27.3 grams

- Sugars: 7.7 grams

- Fat: 45.3 grams

- Dietary Fiber: 10.3 grams

benefits:

- Adds crunch and texture to the dessert.

- Good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

- Provides various vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.

Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and measurements you use in your recipe. Additionally, the serving size of your M'halbi may differ from the 100-gram reference used for these values, so be sure to adjust accordingly when calculating the nutritional content for your specific serving.