Mahalabiya, a Middle Eastern delicacy, is a creamy milk pudding infused with rose or orange blossom water, traditionally garnished with nuts or syrup. Its origins trace back centuries, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Ingredients:

- 4 cups whole milk

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 1/4 cup cornstarch

- 1 tablespoon rose water or orange blossom water

- Chopped nuts or syrup for topping (optional)

Method:

1. In a saucepan, combine milk and sugar over medium heat.

2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water until smooth.

3. Once the milk starts simmering, gradually whisk in the cornstarch mixture.

4. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and stir in rose water or orange blossom water.

6. Pour the mixture into serving dishes and let it cool to room temperature.

7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.

8. Before serving, garnish with chopped nuts or drizzle with syrup if desired. Enjoy your creamy Mahalabiya pudding!

Nutrition Value:

1. Whole Milk (4 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 600 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 48g

  - Protein: Approximately 32g

  - Fat: Approximately 32g

  - Sodium: Approximately 400mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 120mg

  - Vitamins: Contains significant amounts of Vitamin D, Calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B12

  - Minerals: Rich in Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefits: Whole milk provides essential nutrients like calcium for bone health, protein for muscle growth and repair, and vitamins for overall health. It also contains healthy fats that support brain function and satiety.

2. Sugar (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 100g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Sugar provides quick energy but lacks significant nutritional value. However, it adds sweetness to the pudding.

3. Cornstarch (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 100 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g

  - Protein: Approximately 0g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 5mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent in the pudding. It is low in fat and cholesterol and primarily provides carbohydrates for energy.

4. Rose Water or Orange Blossom Water (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: Approximately 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0g

  - Protein: Approximately 0g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Rose water or orange blossom water adds flavor to the pudding without contributing significant calories or nutrients.

5. Chopped Nuts or Syrup for Topping (optional):

  - Calories: Varies depending on the type and amount used

  - Carbohydrates: Varies

  - Protein: Varies

  - Fat: Varies

  - Sodium: Varies

  - Cholesterol: Varies

  - Vitamins: Varies depending on the nuts or syrup

  - Minerals: Varies depending on the nuts or syrup

  - Nutritional Benefits: Nuts can provide healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. Syrup adds sweetness but may contain added sugars.