Exploring Lebanese Culinary Treasures, Mahalabia and Authentic Hummus Recipe

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Exploring Lebanese Culinary Treasures Mahalabia
and Authentic Hummus Recipe
Lebanese cuisine is a celebration of vibrant
flavors, fresh ingredients, and centuries
of culinary traditions. Among the many
mouthwatering dishes that originate from this
Middle Eastern country, two iconic delights stand
out Mahalabia, a delightful rose water
milk pudding, and Hummus, the creamy chickpea dip
that has captured hearts worldwide. In
this article, we will delve into the world of
Lebanese cuisines, exploring the exquisite
Mahalabia dessert and sharing an authentic
Lebanese Hummus recipe.
Mahalabia A Fragrant Delight
Mahalabia(rose water milk pudding) is a classic
Lebanese dessert that reflects the Middle Eastern
love for fragrant and sweet delicacies. This
silky, creamy milk pudding is delicately flavored
with rose water and topped with a sprinkling of
ground pistachios or almonds. The result is a
dessert that is not only visually appealing but
also delightfully aromatic and delicious.
The key ingredients for Mahalabia include milk,
sugar, rice flour (or cornstarch), and
rose water. Here's a simple recipe to recreate
this Lebanese classic at home
Ingredients for Mahalabia(rose water milk
pudding)
4 cups of milk 1/2 cup of sugar 1/2 cup of rice
flour or cornstarch 2 tablespoons of rose
water Ground pistachios or almonds for garnish
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Instructions
In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar,
and rice flour (or cornstarch) until
well combined.
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Place the saucepan over medium heat and
continuously whisk the mixture until it thickens
to a pudding-like consistency. This may take
about 10-15 minutes. Once thickened, remove the
saucepan from the heat and stir in the rose
water. Pour the Mahalabia into serving bowls or
glasses and allow it to cool to room temperature.
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Refrigerate the dessert for a few hours or until
it is nicely chilled and set. Before serving,
garnish each portion with a sprinkle of ground
pistachios or almonds.
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Lebanese Hummus A Flavorful Dip
Hummus is arguably one of the most famous
Lebanese dishes and a beloved Middle Eastern
appetizer around the world. It's a creamy blend
of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and
olive oil, seasoned with a pinch of salt and a
dash of cumin. The result is a creamy, nutty, and
tangy dip that pairs perfectly with pita bread or
fresh vegetables.
Here's a traditional Lebanese Hummus recipe for
you to try
Ingredients for Lebanese Hummus
1 1/2 cups canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans),
drained and rinsed 1/3 cup tahini (sesame
paste) 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large
lemon) 2 small garlic cloves, minced 1/2 teaspoon
ground cumin Salt to taste
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2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Paprika
and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas,
tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, and a
pinch of salt.
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Process the mixture until it becomes smooth and
creamy. If it's too thick, you can add a bit of
water to achieve the desired consistency. Taste
and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or
lemon juice as needed. To serve, transfer the
hummus to a bowl, drizzle with extra-virgin olive
oil, and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and
chopped fresh parsley. Serve the hummus with warm
pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a dip for
your favorite snacks.
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Conclusion
Lebanese cuisine is a treasure trove of
delectable dishes, and Mahalabia(rose water
milk pudding) and Hummus are just two shining
examples of its culinary richness. These
recipes offer a glimpse into the authentic
flavors of Lebanon, where fragrant rose water
milk pudding and creamy chickpea dip have been
satisfying taste buds for generations. So,
roll up your sleeves, head to the kitchen, and
embark on a culinary adventure that brings
the taste of Lebanon to your dining table.
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