Romanian Rose Water Cream Pudding (Zhidzhi-Bidzhi)

by olga

Servings: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup cornstarch
1 cup water
1 quart milk
about 3 tablespoons sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons rose water
ground almonds

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix the cornstarch with the water in a large mixing bowl.

Bring the milk to a boil. Pour the milk into the cornstarch, stirring all the while. Add at least 3 tablespoons sugar.

Balkan puddings are usually very sweet.

When the cornstarch cream is thick, remove it from the heat and beat until it is cool.

Pour the rose-water into a shallow plain mold or bowl and swirl it round and round.

Sprinkle generously with ground almonds.

Add the cornstarch cream, sprinkle lightly with sugar to prevent a skin forming, and chill. Turn out to serve, either alone or with rose petal jam.

CHEF COMMENTS

This is a traditional cream pudding served throughout the Balkans.

Bon Appetit Country Cooking

Tagged: pudding, romanian add tags

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