Malabi (Israeli milk pudding)/ Coconut Panna Cotta

Published by Bat-El at June 8, 2023

Ingredients

3 cups coconut milk
1 can coconut cream
1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp maple syrup/ or 2 tbsp coconut sugar
1 tbsp rose water (optional)
3/4 cup cornstarch

For The Topping:

1 cup strawberry jam
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup shelled pistachios
1/3 cup shredded coconut

When you want a dessert that is healthy and homemade but you've got no time on your hands, this is your new go-to 5-minute, quickest dessert you'll ever make! Clean ingredients, easy preparation, and impressive results. Coconut lovers will devour this one, but any milk will do. Save your time and make this dessert family-style, in a big bowl, and let everyone fall in love. Easy, vegan and gluten-free. Feel free to enjoy watching this yummy recipe on my YouTube channel!

Instructions

Prepare a bowl to serve the Malabi and set aside.

1). Place the milk, cream, vanilla, sweetener and rosewater, cornstarch in a cold pot. Whisk very well to combine.

2). Place the pot on the stove pot on medium-high heat and whisk constantly, making sure there are no lumps forming.

3). Once the milk starts to bubble, the consistency will start to thicken very quickly. Mix for another minute or two.

4). Carefully, transfer the mixture to the bowl and cover with a plastic wrap. Place in the fridge for 2-3 hours to set

Then make the sauce:

Place the jam and water in a skillet and mix. Bring to a boil and turn off the heat, set aside.

Crush the pistachios with a knife and place in a bowl.

To serve:

After 3 hours take the Malabi out of the fridge. Remove the plastic wrap. Pour the strawberry sauce onto the center of the bowl and spread evenly with a spoon.

Then decorate with crushed pistachios and shredded coconut.

Serve immediately or place back in the fridge until ready to enjoy.

Tropical Bites: A Journey into the Heart of Coconut Malabi

As you embark on this coconut-infused culinary journey, remember: every recipe tells a story. Every delicious spoonful of Malabi takes you a step closer to the bustling streets of the Middle East, where this dessert is beloved and a symbol of hospitality and warmth. Drawing inspiration from this rich cultural tapestry, our recipe will guide you through the creation of a delightful, gluten-free, vegan dessert that stands as a testament to the versatility and healthfulness of coconut.

Imagine the tropical coasts of Thailand, where towering coconut trees sway with the rhythm of the ocean breeze, or the verdant landscapes of India, where coconuts are considered a divine gift, integral to religious rituals. Our star ingredients – coconut milk and coconut cream – hail in these regions. They not only lend our dessert its velvety texture but also infuse it with a subtle hint of the exotic.

Let’s get into the flavor portions of this mouthwatering recipe!

Rose Water

While coconut forms the soul of this recipe, the optional addition of rose water transforms it into something ethereal. A staple of Persian and Indian cuisine, rose water’s floral undertones lend a layer of complexity to this simple dessert.

Sweetener

Our sweetener is another critical player. We suggest maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness, but regular sugar will also do the trick. For those of you embarking on a more adventurous culinary journey, a pinch of coconut sugar might be the ideal sweetener, further enhancing the dessert’s coconutty charm.

Toppings

Once you’ve set the pudding, it’s time to paint the canvas with vibrant strokes. The topping adds a visual and taste contrast – the bright red strawberry jam, the green of crushed pistachios, and the snowy white shredded coconut, mimicking the variegated landscapes of the Middle Eastern bazaars.

Pistachios

Not only is this a sensory delight, but the crushed pistachios add a crunch that balances the smooth texture of the dessert. Pistachios, known for their heart-healthy fats and fiber, offers a guilt-free indulgence. The strawberries, on the other hand, bring a tangy twist, cutting through the sweet notes of coconut and rose.

Cornstarch

Then comes our cornstarch – the binding agent of our dessert, which gently thickens the concoction, transforming it into a silky custard-like wonder.

As you dip your spoon into this delicacy, let the flavors transport you to faraway lands. Let each bite remind you of the tropical coasts, bustling bazaars, and the warm, comforting hospitality they represent. Savor it fresh or enjoy it after a hearty meal; remember, there are no rules when it comes to good food. Bon appétit!