Lebanese Style Riz B Haleeb Recipe (Rice Pudding with Pistachios)
Description:
A creamy and fragrant Middle Eastern dessert, Lebanese Style Riz B Haleeb (Rice Pudding with Pistachios) is a delightful treat that combines tender rice with aromatic orange blossom water and crunchy pistachios. This decadent dessert is both comforting and elegant, perfect for special occasions or as a sweet end to any meal.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1/2 cup (soaked for 1-2 hours) |
| Milk | 4 cups (plus extra to mix with cornflour) |
| Sugar | 3 tablespoons (adjust to taste) |
| Corn flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Orange blossom water | 2 teaspoons |
| Pistachios | 10, crushed (plus extra for garnish) |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 37g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 15g |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Soak the Rice:
Begin by soaking the rice in water for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, you can soak it in hot water for 30 minutes if you’re short on time. -
Prepare the Milk Mixture:
In a heavy-bottomed pan or handi, pour in the milk and heat it over medium heat. Once the milk is close to boiling, add the sugar and stir continuously until it dissolves completely. -
Cook the Rice:
Drain the soaked rice and gently add it to the boiling milk-sugar mixture. Stir once to mix and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer the mixture for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and tender. -
Prepare the Cornflour Paste:
While the rice is cooking, dissolve the cornflour in a small amount of milk at room temperature. This will help thicken the pudding. -
Thicken the Pudding:
Once the rice is cooked, add the cornflour-milk paste to the pudding and stir well. Continue to simmer the mixture for a few more minutes, allowing it to thicken. -
Add Orange Blossom Water:
Just before the pudding starts to thicken, add the orange blossom water and stir to incorporate its fragrant flavor into the pudding. -
Finish the Dish:
After the pudding has thickened (in about 5 minutes), turn off the heat. Stir in a handful of crushed pistachios, allowing them to blend into the pudding. Let the dessert cool to room temperature. -
Serve and Garnish:
Once the pudding has cooled, spoon it into individual serving glasses or bowls. Garnish with extra crushed pistachios for added texture and visual appeal.
Tips for Serving:
Lebanese Style Riz B Haleeb can be enjoyed either warm or chilled. For a refreshing treat, chill the pudding in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving. It pairs wonderfully with other Middle Eastern dishes, making it an excellent choice for a dinner party or festive occasion. Try it alongside a Lebanese Fattoush Salad, Beetroot Falafel with Pita Bread, or Pumpkin Hummus for a well-rounded meal.
Enjoy this luxurious and aromatic Lebanese dessert with its rich, creamy texture and delicate notes of orange blossom and pistachios, bringing a taste of the Middle East to your table.
