Dente or Maqut is a traditional Persian dessert made with starch, milk, and sugar. It is often flavoured with rosewater and saffron, and it can be made in a variety of colors. This recipe for four-color Dente or Maqut is a fun and festive way to enjoy this classic dessert.
The dessert is made by first dissolving the starch in cold water. Then, the milk is heated over medium heat and the rosewater and sugar are added. The dissolved starch is then gradually whisked into the milk mixture. The mixture is cooked over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes glossy.
The mixture is then divided into four equal parts. Saffron is added to one part, beet juice to another part, and cocoa powder to the third part. The fourth part is left plain. The colored mixtures are then poured into separate serving dishes and garnished with pistachio powder and rose buds.
The dessert can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for later. It is a delicious and refreshing treat that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup starch
Cold water, for dissolving the starch
2 cups milk
Rosewater
4 tablespoons sugar
Saffron (for yellow color)
Beet juice (for pink color)
Cocoa powder (for brown color)
Pistachio powder and rose buds (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a bowl, dissolve the starch in cold water until smooth.
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat.
Add the rosewater and sugar to the milk and stir to dissolve.
Gradually whisk the dissolved starch into the milk mixture.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. This will take about 30 minutes.
Divide the mixture into four equal parts.
Add saffron to one part, beet juice to another part, and cocoa powder to the third part. Leave the fourth part plain.
Pour each colored mixture into a separate serving dish.
Garnish with pistachio powder and rose buds.
Serve chilled.
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Tips:
You can use any type of starch you like. I used cornstarch, but you could also use tapioca starch, arrowroot starch, or potato starch.
You can also add other flavours to the dessert, such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or orange blossom water.
Serve the dessert immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for later.