Lebanese Orange-Blossom Rice Pudding Recipe
A fragrant and creamy Lebanese Orange-Blossom Rice Pudding made with organic whole milk, long grain rice, and subtly flavored with orange blossom water. This traditional dessert is smooth, richly textured, and lightly sweetened, perfect for a refreshing treat or a delightful end to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 Quart of Organic Whole Milk
- 1 Cup of Long Grain Rice
- 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 2.5 Tablespoons of Orange Blossom Water (adjust to taste)
- 3 Tablespoons of Cornstarch (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Water and Cook Rice: In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a hard boil. Rinse the rice well under cool water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the rice is tender and fluffy, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, rice can be cooked in a rice cooker.
- Heat Milk: In a large saucepan, gently bring the quart of organic whole milk to a gentle boil over medium heat. Be careful to avoid boiling over.
- Thicken Pudding (If Using Cornstarch): Dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of the hot milk to make a slurry. Stir this mixture back into the pot with the milk, cooked rice, and sugar. Continue to boil gently for approximately 20 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching and to allow the pudding to thicken properly.
- Add Orange Blossom Water: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the orange blossom water gradually, adjusting to taste to impart the distinctive floral aroma and flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Pour the pudding into individual serving containers and refrigerate until fully chilled and set, typically at least 2 hours. Optionally, top with unsalted pistachios or almonds before serving for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice thoroughly removes excess starch, preventing the pudding from becoming too thick or gummy.
- Cornstarch is optional but recommended for a creamier, thicker texture.
- Adjust orange blossom water according to your preference; some like a stronger floral note, others more subtle.
- Use organic whole milk for the richest and creamiest result.
- The pudding can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For added texture and flavor, garnish with chopped unsalted pistachios or slivered almonds before serving.
Keywords: Lebanese rice pudding, orange blossom rice pudding, Middle Eastern dessert, creamy rice pudding, orange blossom water dessert
