Name: Lebanese Rice Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 1 cup jasmine rice; 3 cups water; 7 cups milk; 1.5 cups sugar (adjust to taste); Ground pistachio, optional for garnishing; 1/4 cup corn starch; 3 tablespoons orange blossom water; 3 tablespoons water

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Introduction

Lebanese Rice Pudding is a creamy, fragrant dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing. Made with jasmine rice, milk, and a hint of orange blossom water, it brings a subtle floral note to a classic treat. Perfect for any occasion, it can be garnished with pistachios for an elegant touch.

Four clear glass cups each hold a smooth, creamy white dessert with a soft texture. On top of each dessert, a crescent-shaped layer of crushed green pistachios decorates one edge, adding a crunchy texture and vibrant color contrast. The cups sit on a brown wooden board, scattered with whole pistachios and dried rose petals, all placed on a white marbled textured surface. A soft pink cloth peeks from the top left corner of the image, adding a gentle touch of color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup jasmine rice
3 cups water
7 cups milk
1.5 cups sugar, or more to taste
Ground pistachio, optional for garnishing
Corn Starch Mix:

1/4 cup corn starch
3 tablespoons orange blossom water
3 tablespoons water

Instructions

Step 1: Bring the water to a boil. Wash and drain the jasmine rice, then add it to the boiling water. Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the water thickens and is almost gone but not completely dried out.
Step 2: Add the milk and sugar to the rice. Heat the mixture until it begins to boil again, then cook for another 10-15 minutes on low, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens.
Step 3: Mix the corn starch with the orange blossom water and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pudding and cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
Step 4: When the pudding is thick enough, transfer it into small bowls. Do this quickly because the pudding will continue to thicken as it cools.
Step 5: Allow the pudding to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the sugar according to your taste preference for sweetness.
If you’re allergic to nuts, simply omit the pistachio garnish without affecting flavor.
For a stronger floral aroma, increase the amount of orange blossom water slightly, but add gradually to avoid overpowering the pudding.

Storage

Store the rice pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or enjoy chilled. Stir well before serving if reheating to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

The image shows four clear glass cups filled with a creamy white rice pudding that has a slightly textured surface from the rice grains. Each cup has a curved crescent-shaped topping of finely crushed green pistachios placed neatly on one side of the surface. The cups are arranged on a wooden board with scattered whole pistachios and dried rose petals around them. The background has a white marbled texture partly covered by a pink cloth. The overall look is clean and fresh with a contrast between the white rice pudding and the green pistachio topping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use other types of short or medium grain rice, but cooking times may vary. Jasmine rice gives a fragrant and soft texture that works well for this recipe.

What is orange blossom water and where can I find it?

Orange blossom water is a fragrant distillation of orange flower petals commonly used in Middle Eastern desserts. It can be found in specialty grocery stores, Middle Eastern markets, or online.