Traditionally enjoyed to mark the joyous occasion of a newborn’s arrival or during the Christmas festivities in Lebanon, this aromatic dessert is simple and made with very few ingredients.
What is Meghli?
Meghli, also known as Karawya, depending on where you’re from, is a traditional Middle Eastern or Lebanese Caraway rice pudding often served to celebrate the birth of a baby. It’s a spiced pudding made with rice flour that makes it smooth, thick, and flavored with ground caraway and other spices like ground cinnamon and anise. The pudding is sweetened with white sugar and served either warm or cold. This traditional dessert is often garnished with a variety of toppings, such as shredded coconut, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pinenuts, adding a nice contrast in textures. The spices in Meghli contribute to its unique flavor and are believed to have beneficial properties, making this dessert not just a treat but a gesture of health and goodwill towards the new mother and her baby. It’s said that it helps with lactating. It’s a comforting, aromatic dish that celebrates life and community. Caraway pudding is called Meghli in Lebanon, while it’s called Karawya in Jordan and Syria. The only difference is the spices. All three spices (caraway, cinnamon, and anise) are added in Lebanon, while it’s spiced with Caraway only in Jordan and Syria. For more tasty Lebanese desserts that are easily made on the stovetop, check out my Lebanese Rice Pudding, and Burbara Wheat Berry Pudding.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Make this traditional Lebanese dessert next time you are celebrating the birth of a new child in your family, or maybe make it for a friend! Or you’re simply craving a comforting Middle Eastern dessert that you can make in under 15 minutes. If you try it, don’t forget to leave a review and a rating in the comments box below. Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Rice Flour is the base of the dessert and what thickens it and makes it creamy. You can buy rice flour, or if you have a powerful blender or food processor, you can make your own by blending rice into a fine powder. Typically, white rice flour is used, but brown rice flour also works. Spices: You need ground caraway, ground cinnamon, and ground anise. Cinnamon and anise are optional, but they add a lot to the flavor of the dessert. If you have caraway and anise seeds, make sure to grind them into a fine powder before using them. Sugar: Sweeten your pudding with white granulated sugar. If you prefer other sweeteners like cane sugar or maple syrup, that works too. Toppings: Choose your favorites, but traditionally, Meghli is served with desiccated unsweetened coconut (shredded coconut or coconut flakes work, too!) and nuts that are often soaked in water to soften them. Think blanched almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, or even ground pistachios. Keep in mind that pine nuts and pistachios do not need to be soaked if you choose to do so.
Glassware: For a more modern twist, serve Meghli in clear glasses or dessert/ice cream glasses, layering the pudding with the toppings so that the layers are visible from the outside. You can also serve in parfait glasses. For a rustic look, serve the pudding in small mason jars or small wooden bowls with small dessert spoons. Patterned Toppings: On top of the Meghli, create patterns with the nuts and coconut. A circular pattern or a simple design can make the dish look more enticing. Mint Leaves: A mint leaf or two on top of each serving can add a fresh contrast to the rich spices of the Meghli, both in flavor and color.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
