Lebanese Rice Pudding (Riz Bi Haleeb)

 

🛒 Ingredients

🍚 1 cup short grain rice
💧 1 cup water
🥛 9 cups whole milk (divided)
🍬 ¾ cup granulated sugar
🌽 1 tbsp cornstarch
🌹 2 tbsp rose water
🍦 ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
🥜 Chopped pistachios (for serving)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the unwashed rice with water until the water is fully absorbed, about 5–7 minutes.

2️⃣ Add the milk (reserve ½ cup for later) and sugar to the pot.

3️⃣ Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

4️⃣ Stir frequently and cook until the rice is fully soft and the mixture starts to thicken, about 15 minutes.

5️⃣ In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the reserved ½ cup of milk.

6️⃣ Add the cornstarch mixture to the pot.

7️⃣ Add rose water and vanilla extract (if using), and stir continuously.

8️⃣ Cook for another 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pudding becomes thick and creamy.

9️⃣ Pour into serving bowls.

🔟 Let cool completely (it will thicken more as it cools).

1️⃣1️⃣ Top with chopped pistachios before serving.

🍮 Serve warm or chilled and enjoy this creamy Middle Eastern classic!