Meghli
A fragrant spiced rice flour pudding simmered with caraway, cinnamon, and anise, served at room temperature and blanketed with shredded coconut, soaked walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts. It is the taste of new life.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 2 tbsp ground caraway
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp ground anise
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup walnuts
- 0.5 cup blanched almonds
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
Instructions
- Whisk rice flour into cold water until no lumps remain. Add sugar, caraway, cinnamon, and anise.
- Pour the mixture into a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon.
- As the mixture heats, it will thicken. Keep stirring — do not stop, or the bottom will scorch.
- After 30–35 minutes, the pudding should coat the spoon thickly and pull slightly from the sides.
- Ladle into individual bowls or a large serving dish. Let cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, generously scatter shredded coconut across the entire surface.
- Arrange soaked walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts over the coconut.
- Serve at room temperature. Do not refrigerate before serving — cold meghli loses its texture.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Meghli?
A fragrant spiced rice flour pudding simmered with caraway, cinnamon, and anise, served at room temperature and blanketed with shredded coconut, soaked walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts. It is the taste of new life.
Where is Meghli from?
Meghli comes from Lebanese Mountains. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Meghli vegetarian or vegan?
As written, Meghli uses only plant-based ingredients, so it is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Always double-check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of ground caraway in Meghli?
The ground caraway called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Meghli its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Meghli?
In a Lebanese desserts spread, Meghli is served at the end of a meal or with afternoon coffee or tea. A little extra syrup or nuts on top is traditional where the recipe calls for them.
Can I make Meghli ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Most components can be prepared ahead. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture; syrups and nut toppings are best added or refreshed close to serving.