Easy Middle Eastern Rice Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1 cup half and half
or heavy cream, if you prefer
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 cup medium grain rice
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water
more as needed
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
room temperature
- Ground cinnamon for serving
- Honey for serving
- Crushed pistachios and walnuts for serving
Directions
- 1
Place the milk, half and half, vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks and cloves in a medium saucepan. Heat on high and watch carefully. Just before the milk mixture boils, remove from the heat.
- 2
Cool completely and refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight so that the flavors develop and intensify (if you don't have time, you can proceed from here).
- 3
Remove the milk mixture from the fridge and set in room temperature for a few minutes. Add the rice, sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil on high heat, then simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring regularly.
- 4
As the rice cooks, keep stirring regularly. The rice mixture will dry, add a little water (2 tbsp or so at a time) to help it cook. Continue to stir and add water as needed until the rice cooks completely. The rice mixture should be moist, and the rice should be fully cooked but maintain a little bite.
- 5
Remove from the heat. Stir in the butter and evaporated milk. Carefully remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves, then transfer to small serving bowls or even 3-oz mason jars.
- 6
At this point you can cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- 7
When ready, add a little evaporated milk to each bowl to loosen the rice pudding, if you find that it harden in the fridge. Heat briefly in the microwave, then top the rice pudding bowls with a pinch of ground cinnamon, honey, and the crushed nuts. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Easy Middle Eastern Rice Pudding Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting dessert that brings a touch of exotic warmth to your table? This Easy Middle Eastern Rice Pudding Recipe is poised to become your new favorite, delivering rich, aromatic flavors right from your stovetop.
Why This Rice Pudding Works
The magic of this rice pudding lies in its harmonious blend of classic comfort with delightful Middle Eastern-inspired spices. We achieve a luxuriously creamy texture by combining 2% milk with half and half, creating a rich base. The infusion of vanilla, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves directly into the cooking process ensures every spoonful is bursting with fragrant, warming notes that truly make this stove-top rice pudding special.
What to Expect
Prepare for a comforting bowl of creamy, tender rice pudding that melts in your mouth. The medium grain rice cooks down to a perfectly soft consistency, enveloped in a sweet, milky embrace. Each bite offers a gentle spice, primarily from the cinnamon and cloves, beautifully balanced by the mellow sweetness and fragrant vanilla. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and exciting, a comforting hug in a bowl that evokes the culinary traditions of the Middle East.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the richness to your preference; for an even more decadent rice pudding, swap the half and half for heavy cream. The beauty of this dish also lies in its garnish. While honey and a mix of crushed pistachios and walnuts are recommended to amplify its Middle Eastern character, a simple dusting of ground cinnamon is equally delightful. You could also experiment with other nuts like almonds or a drizzle of rosewater for an added floral touch.
Serving & Context
This Easy Middle Eastern Rice Pudding is perfect as a satisfying dessert after any meal, or even as a delightful, warming treat on a chilly evening. Serve it in individual bowls, allowing guests to customize their toppings. It makes a wonderful, shareable dessert for family gatherings or a comforting indulgence just for you.