Ashtalieh, a beloved Lebanese cream pudding, is a delightful dessert that's surprisingly quick and easy to make. This creamy, dreamy treat boasts a delicate texture and a subtly sweet flavor profile, making it the perfect ending to any meal. Forget complicated recipes and hours of preparation; this version simplifies the traditional method, delivering a delicious Ashtalieh in just five minutes! Imagine the smooth, cool comfort of this pudding melting in your mouth – a perfect balance of richness and lightness. The simple yet elegant taste is sure to impress your family and friends, becoming a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ready to experience the magic of Ashtalieh for yourself? This simple recipe breaks down the process step-by-step, guiding you through each stage to achieve perfectly creamy results every time. Let's get started and create this luscious Lebanese dessert together!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Whisk
- Cups
Ingredients
- Milk: 500ml
- Cornflour (Cornstarch): 3 tablespoons
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese (or Kiri): 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Rose Water: 1 teaspoon
- Blossom Water: 1 teaspoon
- Mastic (crushed): 3-4 pebbles
- Pistachios (crushed)
- Syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Cream Base
- Pour 500ml of milk into a pot, reserving a quarter for later.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the reserved milk, cornflour, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar to the milk in the pot.
Step 2. Cook and Flavor the Pudding
- Bring the milk in the pot to a boil over high heat.
- Add the cornflour mixture to the boiling milk, stirring constantly until thickened (about 1-2 minutes).
- Stir in the crushed mastic, rose water, and blossom water.
Step 3. Chill and Set
- Pour the Ashtalieh into cups and let cool in the fridge for about 1 hour.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Decorate with crushed pistachios and drizzle with syrup before serving.
Read more: Basbousa Recipe: Middle Eastern Semolina Coconut Cake
Tips
- For a richer Ashtalieh, add a tablespoon of heavy cream.
- You can experiment with different flavorings like chocolate, cherry, or orange.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes! Whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can experiment with 2% or even almond milk (though the texture might be slightly thinner).
2. What if I don't have cornstarch?
Cornstarch is key to thickening the pudding. Arrowroot powder can be a good substitute, but use a little less than the cornstarch amount.
3. How can I make it ahead of time?
Ashtalieh is best served fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Just give it a good stir before serving to ensure even consistency.
So there you have it – a perfectly creamy and delicious Ashtalieh, ready in a mere five minutes! This simple recipe proves that incredible desserts don't require hours of work. Enjoy this taste of Lebanon, and don't hesitate to share this quick and easy recipe with your loved ones.