Carraway Pudding For New Borns and Christmas

Mighleh, a pudding to welcome newborns

Different cultures around the world celebrate the arrival of a newborn in different ways. However, what's common is the great joy this occasion brings and you know for sure a sweet delicacy will likely be served to mark this joyful event.
As the older sister in the family, I had the chance to savor the special middle-eastern pudding that is served on this occasion: mighleh. I still remember the wonderful spicy smell that invaded every corner of our house as my younger brothers and sisters came to life. That heavenly aroma was the same in our relatives' homes as they too welcomed their little bundles of joy.
Whether it was in the middle of winter or at the height of summer, the recipe lends itself well to all seasons. Its spiciness warms during cold times and it is usually served chilled during summer. 

Many also prepare this pudding during Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
However, Christmas has so many  recipes that sometimes you hardly have enough time to make a handful.

Madrid nights are bitterly cold and since I´m a still nostalgic for Christmas seasons, I decided to make this childhood recipe that I cherish deeply. It should warm me up!

I am not sure about the origins of this recipe, but I know that is made in many countries of the middle east. It is very easy to make and really delicious.
What's great about it too is that is naturally suitable for lactose intolerant people and for those with allergy to wheat. It sweetness can be adjusted to taste. It is an easy, healthy and delicious recipe.

The main flavorings of this pudding

To prepare this pudding for 6 to 8 persons, you need:

• 1/2 cup of rice flour or powdered rice
• 3 cups and 1/2 of water
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 1 tsp of ground anise
• 1 to 2 spoons of  ground caraway seeds (it is a spice similar to anise and fennel seeds)

For the decoration you need shredded coconut (unsweetened) and a mix of various nuts.

The essential steps in making the pudding

First combine all the dry ingredients, mix well, then add the water! Put on a gentle heat and keep stirring. After 5 to 8 min you will notice that the mixture will start to thicken, keep stirring until you see bubbles forming on the top. At that point you will know that it is time to remove of the heat! 

A regular sized cup makes an ideal serving portion

Wait for the pudding to cool for about 5 min, then pour it into individual serving cups. 

Leave it to cool completely, after which put it in the fridge. 

Golden cups and serving plate add opulence to a rather humble dessert

Before serving, sprinkle coconut on top, then add the nuts you desire. Usually, pine nuts, walnuts, pistachios and almonds are mostly used, but you can experiment and use cashew or macadamia nuts or whatever your heart desires. The joy of this recipe is its simplicity and flexibility. You can omit the coconut for example or reduce the amount of sugar or come up with a unique mix of nuts!

So next time there's a new born in the family or you want an easy dessert for your Christmas dinner, surprise your family members with this creamy, soft and spicy and refreshing pudding! But you know what, you don't have to wait for that to happen, so to kitchen and get cooking!

Coconut and a mix of delicious nuts complement the flavor of the pudding