⁨ ‏ حلا اقتصادي وسهل⁩

⁨ ‏ حلا اقتصادي وسهل⁩ is a easy Middle Eastern recipe that serves 4. 445 calories per serving. Recipe by Nada Al haj on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 32 min

Cost: $31.64 total, $7.91 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 liter Whole Milk (Use whole milk for a richer texture; can substitute with 2% milk)
  • 4 tablespoons Cornstarch (For thickening the pudding)
  • 4 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (Adjust sweetness to taste)
  • 4 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (High‑quality cocoa gives deep flavor)
  • 100 grams Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa) (Break into small pieces before adding)
  • 2 small sachets Instant Cream Powder (Brand "Mix" as used in the video; each sachet ≈ 2 Tbsp)
  • 1 cup Plain Digestive Biscuits or Sponge Cake (Crushed; provides crunchy layers)

Instructions

  1. Measure Milk

    Pour 1 liter (4 cups) of whole milk into a medium saucepan.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Make Dry Slurry

    In a mixing bowl combine 4 Tbsp cornstarch, 4 Tbsp granulated sugar and 4 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder. Add 2‑3 Tbsp cold milk and whisk until a smooth, lump‑free paste forms.

    Time: PT4M

  3. Combine and Heat

    Add the cocoa‑starch slurry to the saucepan with the remaining milk. Stir continuously over medium heat.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Bring to a Boil

    Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens noticeably.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  5. Add Chocolate

    Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the broken 100 g dark chocolate and stir until completely melted and incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Cool the Base

    Transfer the hot chocolate‑milk mixture into a clean jar or heat‑proof bowl. Cover and let it cool to room temperature (about 10 minutes).

    Time: PT10M

  7. Prepare Instant Cream

    In a separate bowl whisk the two sachets of instant cream powder with a few tablespoons of milk until smooth and fluffy.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Combine Cream with Base

    Gently fold the whipped instant‑cream mixture into the cooled chocolate‑milk base until fully blended.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Assemble Dessert

    In each serving glass, place a layer of crushed biscuits, then pour a layer of the chocolate‑cream mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with a thin chocolate glaze if desired.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Final Chocolate Touch

    Melt a small amount of any leftover chocolate directly in the glass (microwave in 10‑second bursts) and drizzle over the top. If the pudding is too thick, stir in a splash of milk.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Low heat

Nutrition Facts

Calories
445
Protein
11 g
Carbohydrates
53 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Milk, Chocolate (contains milk), Gluten (biscuits), Soy (possible in chocolate), Corn (cornstarch)

Last updated: March 20, 2026

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⁨ ‏ حلا اقتصادي وسهل⁩

Recipe by Nada Al haj

A budget-friendly, egg‑free chocolate milk pudding layered with crunchy biscuits and a silky instant‑cream topping. Made with just milk, cocoa, cornstarch, sugar, chocolate and cream powder, this Middle Eastern‑style dessert costs about $5 and serves four.

EasyMiddle EasternServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
30m
Prep
3m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
43m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$31.64
Total cost
$7.91
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensure the cocoa‑starch slurry is completely lump‑free before heating.
  • Stir continuously while bringing the mixture to a boil to avoid scorching.
  • Fully melt the dark chocolate into the hot base for a smooth texture.
  • Whisk the instant cream powder into a smooth, lump‑free cream.
  • Layer biscuits and cream gently to keep the dessert stable.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot milk and chocolate can cause severe burns – handle with care.
  • Do not leave the saucepan unattended while it is boiling.
  • Use microwave‑safe containers when melting chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chocolate milk pudding in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

Chocolate‑based desserts entered Middle Eastern kitchens during the 20th century through European influence, becoming popular as affordable, sweet treats for families. This pudding reflects a modern, budget‑friendly adaptation that blends traditional milk‑based sweets with cocoa, a flavor now beloved across the region.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chocolate milk pudding in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

In some Gulf countries the pudding is flavored with rose water or orange blossom water, while Levantine versions may add tahini or pistachios. The base ingredients—milk, sugar, and a thickener—remain the same, but flavorings and garnish differ regionally.

cultural
Q

How is chocolate milk pudding traditionally served in Middle Eastern households?

A

It is usually served chilled in small glass bowls or ramekins, often topped with crushed biscuits, nuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. It is a common after‑meal dessert during family gatherings and festive occasions.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations is chocolate milk pudding commonly enjoyed in Middle Eastern culture?

A

The dessert is popular during Ramadan evenings (Iftar), Eid celebrations, and family birthdays because it is quick to prepare, inexpensive, and satisfies sweet cravings after a day of fasting.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Middle Eastern chocolate milk pudding versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include whole milk, cornstarch (or rice flour), granulated sugar, high‑quality cocoa powder, and dark chocolate. Substitutes such as almond milk, arrowroot powder, or milk chocolate can be used, but they alter the classic texture and flavor.

cultural
Q

What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with this chocolate milk pudding?

A

Serve it alongside fresh fruit salads with pomegranate seeds, or with a small plate of baklava for a contrast of textures. A cup of strong Arabic coffee or mint tea also complements the richness of the pudding.

cultural
Q

What makes this no‑egg chocolate milk pudding special in Middle Eastern dessert tradition?

A

It eliminates eggs and heavy cream, making it cheaper and accessible for everyday cooking while still delivering a silky, chocolatey texture. The use of instant cream powder provides a light, airy finish without the need for fresh cream.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this chocolate milk pudding?

A

Common errors include not whisking the dry slurry enough, allowing the mixture to scorch before it boils, and adding chocolate when the mixture is too cool, which can cause lumps. Also, layering biscuits too early makes them soggy.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use cornstarch instead of flour as the thickening agent?

A

Cornstarch thickens at a lower temperature and yields a clearer, smoother texture than flour, which can leave a cloudy appearance and a slightly starchy taste. This keeps the pudding glossy and chocolate‑rich.

technical
Q

Can I make this chocolate milk pudding ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, prepare the chocolate‑milk base and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Assemble the biscuit layers just before serving to retain crunch, or store assembled glasses covered for up to 24 hours.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nada Al Haj specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nada Al Haj focuses on simple, budget‑friendly home cooking recipes from the Arab world, often highlighting quick meals that require minimal ingredients and no fancy equipment.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Nada Al Haj's approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Nada Al Haj emphasizes economical, egg‑free and dairy‑light adaptations of classic dishes, using everyday pantry items and clear step‑by‑step narration, whereas many other channels showcase more elaborate or restaurant‑style preparations.

channel

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