Mahallepi: a traditional northern cypriot dessert
Mahallepi is a dessert from the Middle East and Central Asia with a unique taste and aroma.
This sweet dessert originated in Cyprus but has its versions in neighboring Middle Eastern countries, such as Lebanon and Turkey. In Turkey and the Turkish part of Cyprus, the dessert is also known as muhallebi, muhallabia, or mahallepi.
Translated from Turkish, this name means 'boiled cream.' Another version suggests that the word 'mahallepi' is derived from the Arabic root meaning 'mixed' or 'to mix.'
VARIATIONS OF MAHALLEPI
It's worth noting that different parts of the world have different interpretations of mahallepi. It can be a dough with a curd filling and butter, mastic with pistachios, or pudding. However, in Cyprus and Turkey, it refers to a jelly-like substance floating in rose water.
INGREDIENTS FOR MAHALLEPI
- milk water
- corn or rice flour, or starch
- rose water or rose syrup
- vanilla
- sugar
HOW TO PREPARE MAHALLEPI
Put 5 cups of water or milk in a pot on the stove. Place the sixth cup of water in a separate bowl and mix in the corn flour. Add to the pot and, stirring constantly, bring to a boil and thicken. Let it boil for a few minutes, stirring constantly.
Rinse 6 small bowls under cold water (they should be wet). Put a spoonful of the mixture in each wet bowl. Let it cool at room temperature, then put the bowls in the refrigerator. The next day, take a large bowl and fill it with cold water. To add extra flavor, add 4 tablespoons of rose water and 2 teaspoons of sugar to 5 cups of water before boiling.
SERVING MAHALLEPI
Take the bowls with mahallepi and flip each into the bowl with water. Serve, sprinkled with a spoon of sugar and a spoon of rose water. You can also add rose syrup. Mahallepi is best consumed the next day after preparation to preserve its freshness and texture.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MAHALLEPI AND NORTHERN CYPRIOT CUISINE
Can mahallepi be made vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe can be adapted by omitting animal products and using vegan substitutes. Hence, the recipe uses both milk and water.
What are some other unique Cypriot desserts?
It is paluze – northerners believe it came from the Ottoman Empire, although Southerners disagree. In any case, it's worth trying, here's our article on paluze. It's also interesting to note that marinated walnut is served as a dessert.
Read our news on our Telegram channel, where we talk about various food festivals, as well as all the most interesting events in Northern Cyprus.
Author
Born and raised in Yekaterinburg, visited more than 40 countries, lived in the USA for some time, and in 2022, moved to Northern Cyprus. Education: Ural State University (now Ural Federal University), Faculty of Political Science and Sociology. Professional Experience: Since 2008, worked in the…
