Vanilla Custard (Kuwaiti Elbah)

Kuwait elbah, is a really simple to make, vanilla custard. Perhaps the love of this dessert comes from the friendship with Britain, as they were a protectorate of Kuwait for many years. What gives it that special Arab flavour is the addition of cardamom and saffron (the most expensive spice in the world). The custard is served cold so please note the cooking time is 45 minutes and the refrigeration time is 4 hours. We imagined savouring this dessert on a hot summer Arabian day. We enjoyed it with a strong cup of Arabic Coffee.

5 eggs
2½ cups whole milk
½ cup sugar
pinch saffron
½ tsp. cardamom
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C/130°C fan, Gas Mark 2).

In a large bowl, mix eggs, sugar and vanilla together well (it is best to use a mixer).

Add milk and continue mixing. Add in in the saffron and cardamom.

Pour or ladle mixture into oven safe ramekins taking care to not overfill.

Put the ramekins in a roasting pan and fill halfway up with warm water.

Cover the whole pan with tin foil.

Put tray in oven for 45 minutes.

Remove when cool enough to handle and refrigerate for 4 hours.

Serve chilled with coffee or tea.

Makes 8 servings.