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How to Make Maghli or Karawiya

Desserts

How to Make Maghli or Karawiya

Maghli is a delicious dessert made from sugar, finely ground rice, and spices. It requires frequent stirring during preparation, but you can lower the heat and stir occasionally to make it easier. Serve with nuts.

Total time50 min
Prep10 min
Cook40 min
Yield8 servings
DifficultyEasy
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Recipe tags

DessertsInternationalVegetarianGluten freeNut freeEgg freeEasyBalanced time

Recipe story

Maghli or Karawiya is a beloved Syrian and Lebanese dessert — especially tasty when served with qaloubat. It's traditionally offered to celebrate the arrival of a newborn, but it's delightful any time. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup finely ground rice
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar (or 2 cups, to taste)
  • Grated coconut and nuts (walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, pistachios) for serving — as desired
  • For more sweets, here is the link: How to Make Almasiya Sweet
  • For more from Fatima, see Rahat al-Halqum (Turkish Delight)

Method

  1. In a pot, combine all the ingredients and stir well while cold.
  2. Place the pot over medium heat, stirring continuously.
  3. When the mixture comes to a boil, keep the heat at medium and let it simmer for about an hour if the batch is small, stirring continuously. Larger quantities will require more time.
  4. When the maghli reaches the texture of thick yogurt (or similar to malban), remove from the heat.
  5. Ladle the maghli/karawiya directly into serving cups.
  6. Once cooled to room temperature, garnish with grated coconut and nuts that have been soaked in water and thoroughly dried — according to your preference.

Notes and serving ideas

  • How to Make Almasiya Sweet
  • Rahat al-Halqum (Turkish Delight)
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Fatima Jammoul

Fatima Jammoul shares a practical home-cooking collection on Zesta, with recipes gathered for everyday tables and repeat cooking.

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