Joan Nathan Makes Malai, a Sweet Romanian Dish For Shavuot

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu offers a plant-based option, while thighs are more affordable than breasts.

Butter the baking dish with butter.

Break an egg into a bowl to check for blood or eggshell.

Melt 1 stick of butter in a double boiler.

Add 1/3 cup of sugar to the melted butter.

Pour in 1/2 cup of milk and add a pinch of salt.

Mix in 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 cup of flour, and 1/2 cup of cornmeal together.

In another bowl, combine 1 1/2 lbs of whole milk ricotta cheese with 1/3 cup of sugar and 2 eggs, mixing well.

Combine the ricotta mixture with the cornmeal mixture until well mixed.

Fill the baking dish with the corn and cheese mixture, topping with the remaining cornmeal.

Bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes.

Check if it's ready; it should be nice and brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens