Egyptian Rice Pudding | Roz bil Laban

Egyptian Rice Pudding | Roz bil Laban

Egyptian rice pudding, or roz bil laban, is a rich and creamy dessert enjoyed across Egypt. Made with soft, slow-cooked rice, milk, and fragrant rose water, this comforting treat is lightly sweetened and thickened to a velvety consistency. It is traditionally garnished with ground cinnamon, shredded coconut, and golden raisins, adding layers of flavor and texture. Served warm or chilled, Egyptian rice pudding is a nostalgic dish often enjoyed at family gatherings, celebrations, and during Ramadan. Its simple ingredients and smooth, indulgent taste make it a timeless favorite in Egyptian cuisine.

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Ingredients

(Seasonings should be added to taste.)

For the Rice Base:

• 1 cup long-grain rice

• 3 cups water

• rose water

For the Creamy Pudding:

• 3 cups milk

• 1 tablespoon corn starch

• sugar

• vanillin with sugar

•  sea salt

For Garnish:

• ground cinnamon

• shredded coconut

• golden raisins

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Instructions

Cooking the Rice Base

In a pot, combine long-grain rice with water, ensuring the water level is higher than usual to create a soft, mushy texture. Add a splash of rose water for a delicate floral aroma. Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 45 minutes.

Mashing and Preparing the Pudding

When the cook time is up, use a spatula to mix and mash the rice, leaving some texture for a rich consistency. Add the milk, corn starch, sugar, vanillin with sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir the mixture over medium-low heat, ensuring the ingredients are well combined. Adjust the sugar to taste, depending on how sweet you prefer your pudding.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once the milk reaches a light boil, turn off the heat. Scoop the creamy rice pudding into serving dishes. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, shredded coconut, and golden raisins for extra flavor and texture. Let the pudding cool before serving, as this will allow it to thicken to the perfect consistency. Enjoy this comforting and traditional Egyptian dessert!

Vegan-Friendly Tips

To make this Egyptian rice pudding completely plant-based, simply substitute the milk with your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond, coconut, or oat milk. You can also replace the corn starch with a vegan-friendly thickener like arrowroot powder for the perfect creamy texture. The rest of the recipe remains the same, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, vegan-friendly version of this traditional dessert!

Ramadan Tip

Prepare the rice pudding in advance and store it in the fridge for a few hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the pudding to thicken to the perfect consistency. When it's time to break your fast, simply serve it chilled or reheat it gently on the stove for a comforting, refreshing treat to enjoy after a long day of fasting.