Muhallabieh

Muhallabieh, malabi, ksab, sutlaj, sahleb — these are all names for set puddings or thick sweet drinks that are dear to Jerusalemites, almost as much as the sacred stones of the old city. Well, not quite but it is fair to say that Arabs and Jews share a real fascination with these milky desserts.

In Jerusalem, before the days of coke and lattes, tamarind drink and soos (made from a liquorice twig) were the typical refreshing summer beverages (wandering vendors would carry them in or