Meghli

Meghli
Alternative names Moghli
Place of origin Lebanon
Region or state Middle East
Main ingredients Rice, sugar, anise, caraway, cinnamon, coconut, almonds or pistachios
Cookbook:Meghli  Meghli

Meghli or Moghli[1] is a traditional Lebanese dessert based on a floured rice pudding and spiced with anise, caraway and cinnamon. The dish is often garnished with shredded coconut and various nuts including almonds, walnuts, pine nuts and pistachios.[2] Meghli is commonly served to celebrate Christmas or the birth of a child.[3][4]

Background

Meghli, which means “boiled” in Arabic, was so-called because of the long time (up to an hour) it must be continuously stirred while boiling.[5]

The dish was traditionally served to celebrate the birth of a male heir, but became in modern Lebanese tradition a celebration dessert for any new born.[5] Meghli is also served during the Christmas holiday in recognition of the birth of Christ. Meghli is also symbolic for fertile rich soil which is brown like the Meghli.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Hussien Dekmak, "Easy, Peasy, Lebanesy", Voyager, March 7, 2009
  2. ↑ Dalal A. Holmin, From the Tables of Lebanon: Traditional Vegetarian Cuisine, Book Publishing Company (TN); 1 edition (June 1997), pg 164
  3. ↑ Meghli, Arabicnews,com
  4. ↑ Kamal Mouzawak, Merry Meghli!, Poetry of Food, poetryoffood.com, retrieved 3-7-2010
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Anissa Helou, Lebanese Cuisine: More Than 250 Authentic Recipes From The Most Elegant Middle Eastern Cuisine, St. Martin's Griffin (June 15, 1998), pg 241