Ah, Lebanese rice pudding—just hearing those words makes me nostalgic for those cozy family gatherings where time seemed to stand still, doesn’t it? A bit like diving into a warm, creamy hug, this dessert is a delightful mix of simplicity and indulgence. It’s like wrapping yourself in a comforting blanket, made from the softest, silkiest threads of rice and milk, with a hint of rose water—because why shouldn’t dessert be a little poetic?
Steps
- In a large pot, combine the unwashed short-grain rice with water and cook until the water is fully absorbed, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add most of the milk to the pot, setting aside ½ cup for later, along with sugar, and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low, stirring frequently until the rice is cooked and the milk thickens, approximately 15 minutes.
- Mix the reserved ½ cup of milk with cornstarch to create a slurry, then incorporate it into the pot. Add rose water and vanilla extract, stirring consistently until the pudding thickens further, around 15 more minutes.
- Distribute the pudding into 5-10 bowls and allow it to cool, during which it will continue to thicken.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios or your preferred toppings, and serve the pudding either warm or chilled.
- Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Ingredients
- Short-grain rice: 1 cup (such as sushi rice or Arborio rice)
- Water: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 4 cups (reserve ½ cup for cornstarch slurry)
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
- Rose water: 1 tablespoon
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Pistachios: ¼ cup, chopped (optional for topping)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 441kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 142mg | Potassium: 575mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 593IU | Calcium: 453mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- What should I do if my rice pudding is too thick?
- If your pudding turns out too thick, simply add a bit more milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- How can I fix rice pudding that is too thin?
- To thicken a runny pudding, add a little more cornstarch and cook for an additional minute or two until it reaches the right texture.
- Why is my rice still crunchy after cooking?
- Ensure you’re using short-grain rice, as long-grain varieties like basmati or jasmine require different cooking times and may result in crunchy rice. Check the rice’s texture before removing it from the stove; it might need a few extra minutes.
- Can I substitute rose water with something else?
- Yes, if you don’t have rose water, you can use orange blossom water or omit it entirely. The pudding will still taste delicious.
- Is there a vegan version of this Lebanese rice pudding?
- Absolutely! You can make a vegan version by replacing regular milk with plant-based milk alternatives.
Tips
- Do Not Rinse the Rice: For this recipe, avoid rinsing the rice to remove its starchy layer. The starch is essential for achieving the desired creamy and sticky texture in the pudding.
- Add Rose Water at the End: To maximize the floral aroma of rose water in your pudding, add it towards the end of the cooking process. This will prevent the flavor from dissipating and ensure a more pronounced taste.
- Monitor the Rice Texture: Ensure that the rice is cooked until very tender, which may take around 30 minutes. This will help achieve the creamy consistency that is characteristic of a good rice pudding.
- Experiment with Toppings: While pistachios are a popular choice, feel free to explore other toppings such as almonds, walnuts, or shredded coconut to add variety and additional flavor to your dessert.
Equipment
- Large Pot – If you do not have a suitable large pot for cooking rice and milk together, you might need to purchase one.
- Cornstarch – While not equipment, if you don’t have cornstarch at home, you might need to purchase it.
- Rose Water – This is a key ingredient that might not be commonly found in every kitchen, and you can find it online.
- Vanilla Extract – If you don’t have it at home, you might consider purchasing it.
- Serving Bowls – If you want specific bowls for serving the pudding, you might find a set online.
