Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of grape must
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup of chopped dried figs
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Special equipment needed:
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Serving dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the grape must, water, sugar, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water until smooth.
3. Once the grape must mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly.
4. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Remove the cinnamon stick from the mixture and stir in the vanilla extract, chopped walnuts, and chopped dried figs.
6. Pour the mixture into a serving dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Allow the moustalevria to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for boiling, low heat for thickening
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 280
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 5mg
Total carbohydrates: 55g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Total sugars: 36g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- If grape must is not available, you can use grape juice instead.
- You can substitute the walnuts with almonds or pistachios.
- If dried figs are not available, you can use raisins or dates instead.
Variations:
- You can add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for extra flavor.
- You can use different types of nuts or dried fruits to customize the recipe to your liking.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to whisk the cornstarch mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- Stir the mixture constantly while it thickens to prevent burning.
- Allow the moustalevria to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation on the surface.
Storage instructions:
Store the moustalevria in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Moustalevria is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, you can microwave it for 15-20 seconds or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the moustalevria in individual bowls or on a platter garnished with extra chopped walnuts and dried figs.
Garnishes:
Chopped walnuts, chopped dried figs, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Pairings:
Moustalevria pairs well with a cup of Greek coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve moustalevria as a dessert after a meal of Greek salad, grilled chicken, and roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out.
- If the mixture is too thin, continue to cook it over low heat until it thickens.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to use clean utensils and cookware when preparing the moustalevria to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Moustalevria is a traditional Greek dessert made from grape must and cornstarch. It has been enjoyed for centuries in Greece and is often served during special occasions and holidays.
Flavor profiles:
Moustalevria has a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of cinnamon.
Serving suggestions:
Serve moustalevria as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Region: Greek