Hilou Gamar Id-Din is a classic Maltese dessert that offers a delicate balance of sweet and aromatic flavors. This chilled pudding is made from gamar id-din, a smooth paste of cooked apricots, which serves as the base for this silky treat. The mixture is gently sweetened with sugar and infused with the warm, citrusy notes of whole cardamom seeds. To achieve its signature creamy texture, cornflour starch is used as a thickener, creating a smooth consistency that is neither too heavy nor too light. Served cold, the pudding provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, crunchy topping of crushed walnuts, almonds, and other nuts. It is an ideal dessert for warm evenings or as a sophisticated ending to a Mediterranean meal, celebrating simple ingredients transformed into something truly elegant.
Hilou Gamar Id-Din
Description
Hilou Gamar Id-Din is a classic Maltese dessert that offers a delicate balance of sweet and aromatic flavors. This chilled pudding is made from gamar id-din, a smooth paste of cooked apricots, which serves as the base for this silky treat. The mixture is gently sweetened with sugar and infused with the warm, citrusy notes of whole cardamom seeds. To achieve its signature creamy texture, cornflour starch is used as a thickener, creating a smooth consistency that is neither too heavy nor too light. Served cold, the pudding provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, crunchy topping of crushed walnuts, almonds, and other nuts. It is an ideal dessert for warm evenings or as a sophisticated ending to a Mediterranean meal, celebrating simple ingredients transformed into something truly elegant.Ingredients
Directions
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Mix the cornflour starch with 1/2 cup of cold water in a small bowl until smooth and set aside.
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In a saucepan, combine the gamar id-din paste, sugar, and 2 cups of boiling water.
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Stir well to dissolve the sugar and break up any lumps in the paste.
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Add the whole cardamom seeds to the mixture.
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Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
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Slowly pour in the diluted cornflour starch mixture while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
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Continue to stir and cook until the mixture thickens and returns to a gentle boil.
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Let it bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously.
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Remove from heat once the pudding has reached a smooth, creamy consistency.
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Pour the hot pudding into a serving dish or individual bowls.
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Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
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Serve chilled, topped generously with the mixture of crushed nuts and raisins.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1378.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 115.5g178%
- Saturated Fat 12.7g64%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 15.0mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 66.1g23%
- Dietary Fiber 17.0g68%
- Sugars 30.3g
- Protein 41.0g82%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Gamar id-din is a traditional Maltese paste made from cooked apricots. It is unique to the region but can be found in specialty food import stores, Middle Eastern markets, or online.
For the nut topping, you can customize the mixture based on preference. Traditional variations often include crushed almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and raisins. A pinch of cinnamon can also be added to the nut mixture for extra warmth.
Ensure you stir constantly when adding the cornflour slurry to avoid lumps. If the pudding becomes too thick after chilling, you can whisk in a tablespoon of warm water to loosen it slightly before serving.
This dessert is best served cold. It can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to serve.
