Turkish Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is one of the most beloved milk-based desserts in Turkish cuisine. Prepared with a combination of milk, rice, and sugar, this light dessert offers a refreshing taste, especially when served cold. You can achieve different presentations by sprinkling cinnamon on top or by making a baked version.

In this recipe, you will find the ingredients and step-by-step instructions you need to make a perfectly textured and delicious rice pudding.

Required Ingredients

1 liter milk
1 tea glass rice
2.5 cups water
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon starch (wheat or corn starch)
Half a tea glass water (to dissolve the starch)
1 packet vanilla (optional)

For the Topping:

Cinnamon
Hazelnuts or pistachios (optional)

How to Make Rice Pudding

Wash and drain the rice, then place it in a pot.
Add 2.5 cups of water and boil until the rice becomes very soft.
Add the milk and continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Add the sugar and continue boiling while stirring.
Dissolve the starch in half a tea glass of water and add it to the pot to thicken the mixture.
Cook for a few more minutes over low heat, stirring continuously.
Optionally add vanilla and remove from heat.
Divide the rice pudding into bowls and refrigerate once it reaches room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the rice pudding cold. You can enhance its flavor by sprinkling cinnamon on top or adding hazelnuts or pistachios. If you would like to make baked rice pudding, place the pudding into bowls and bake using the oven’s grill setting until the tops are lightly browned.

With this delicious rice pudding recipe, you can add a light and traditional dessert to your table. Enjoy your meal!