A super simple recipe for a deliciously creamy Middle Eastern Rice Pudding. This rice pudding is light, not overly sweet, and has a touch of orange blossom water. All you need to make this delicious treat is just 5 ingredients!

How To Make Rice Pudding

There are countless methods out there on how to make the perfect rice pudding, this method is about as simple as it gets. There are just 5 ingredients, whole milk, short grain rice, granulated sugar, orange blossom water, and crushed pistachios as an optional garnish. Orange blossom water can be found in some grocery stores in the international aisle or ordered online, this is the one we use.

Step 1: Soak the short grain rice in hot water for 30 minutes. Drain the rice when done.

Step 2: Add whole milk and sugar to a medium saucepan on medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Once the milk has reached a light simmer, add in the rice.

Step 3: Keep the heat on a medium-low to maintain a light simmer. Allow the rice to simmer for about 30 minutes while stirring quite consistently to avoid burning.

Step 4: Turn off the heat once the rice is completely soft then add the orange blossom water and mix well. Divide the rice pudding into four 4 oz ramekins and allow to cool down completely. Garnish with crushed pistachios then cover and chill in the fridge.

Middle Eastern Rice Pudding Variations

Rice pudding is a common treat in the Middle East. It can be served as a snack, dessert, or even for breakfast. Depending on the region you are in you might find different ingredients in the rice puddings, such as rose water (instead of the orange blossom water), and different spices. The most common spices are cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Raisins or a drizzle of honey are also common garnishes. Adding any of these ingredients to this recipe makes for a uniquely delicious rice pudding. Let us know in the comments what variations you try!

Middle Eastern Rice Pudding (Riz bi Haleeb)

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 4 servings

A quick and simple recipe for a creamy and delicious Middle Eastern Rice Pudding. A perfectly sweet treat with a hint of orange blossom water.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups Whole Milk
• ½ cup Short Grain Rice
• ¼ cup Granulated Sugar see notes
• 1-2 tbsp Orange Blossom Water see notes

Instructions

• Soak the short grain rice in hot water for 30 minutes. Drain the rice when done.
• Add whole milk and sugar to a medium saucepan on medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Once the milk has reached a light simmer, add in the rice.
• Keep the heat on a medium-low to maintain a light simmer. Allow the rice to simmer for about 30 minutes while stirring quite consistently to avoid burning.
• Turn off the heat once the rice is completely soft, then add the orange blossom water and mix well. Divide the rice pudding into four 4 oz ramekins and allow to cool down completely. Garnish with crushed pistachios then cover and chill in the fridge.
• Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Increase the amount of sugar to 1/3 a cup if a very sweet rice pudding is desired.

1 tbsp of Orange Blossom Water yields a mellow flavor, use 2 tbsp for a stronger flavor.