GastronomicGallivant: Turkish Milk N Flour Pudding "Muhallebi"

Well, this Milk Pudding is quite famous in Turkey. It wormed its way into my heart the minute it touched my tongue and landed in my belly. People who have been following me long enough would know that I am a slave to puddings and everything else follows - Pudding, Halwa, Cakes, Brownie etc etc in that order. I have to thank Ms.Mercan at the Turkish Cultural Center in my state, for introducing this fabulous dessert to me. Very simple to make and simply fabulous when it comes to taste. Without further ado, I will go to the recipe for the basic version.

 

 

Ingredients:

• Fine Rice Flour - 5 tbsp
• Milk - 5 cups
• Sugar - 5 tbsp or less/more
• Butter - 5 tbsp
• Salep Gum( Mastic Gum) - 3 or 4#s (Available in Middle Eastern stores, Check Wiki for more info)
• Vanilla Extract - 1 tsp
• Walnuts or Hazelnuts - a handful, Toasted and roughly crushed

Procedure:

• In a thick bottomed pan, warm the butter and add the flour.
• Add the sugar, milk and keep stirring till the sugar dissolves.
• Add the vanilla extract, mastic gum and keep stirring using a whisk. Continuous stirring is key.
• Keep stirring until the mixture becomes thick. Switch off stove and add toasted walnuts or hazelnuts.

Enjoy!