Arabic Rice Pudding (Roz bil halib )

I came from huge family , I mean really huge . My grandma has 11 brothers and sisters . My mom has 6 brothers and sisters and I have 3 brothers and sisters . This makes my grandma spent a lot of her time in the kitchen to feed all those hungry mouths . I remember her preparing this recipe for the family and our guests . She used to cook over 15 L of milk . I told you we are huge family !

Rice in milk

This is the Arabic version of rice pudding . It’s my grandma recipe . I started my blog with it because it is traditional , simple , easy to make , very refreshing and delicious . I hope you enjoy . If your “ rice in milk” has wrinkles on its surface , this means you have cooked it in the exact and appropriate manner . Bon Appétit .

Roz bil halib

Ingredients

8 cups full fat milk ( 2 liters )
1/2 cup of short grain rice
1/2 cups sugar ( or more )
1 tbsp. orange blossom essence

Directions

Wash rice well several times to remove loose starch . Bring milk into a boil then add the washed rice . Bring the rice-milk mixture into a boil again .

Cook over medium heat for about 40 and 50 minutes , stirring every now and then gently in order not to have your rice grains broken or stuck .

When the rice softens and the milk starts to thicken , which gives you an indication that you recipe is almost done , add the sugar and stir into the mixture.

Remove from heat . Stir in orange blossom essence .

Pour into individual serving bowls. Allow to cool, refrigerate and serve cold .

Delicious tips :

- For a richer version, use a combination of milk and cream.

- Traditionally , we garnish the bowls with chopped pistachio nuts , blanched almonds or pine nuts.

- You can flavour milk in rice with 1/2 tsp. powdered mastic .