Mediterranean Rice Pudding

Makes 4 servings

Rice pudding is a heavenly treat no matter in which country it’s served. In the Mediterranean, it’s flavored with spices and a hint of citrus, making this creamy dish the perfect dessert whether you’re at a fancy dinner or an informal gathering. This particular version is inspired by the Greek dessert Rizo-galo (rizi = rice, gala = milk)!

INGREDIENTS

2 cups whole milk
1 2-inch cinnamon stick
1 star anise
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon orange zest
½ cup short-grain rice
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine the milk, cinnamon stick, star anise, lemon zest, and orange zest in saucepan set over medium-high heat, until bubbles form around the edge of the pan.
2. Rinse the short-grain rice in a sieve under running water to remove some of the starch.
3. Add the rice to the hot milk and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the cinnamon stick and star anise from hot rice pudding, turn heat to low, and cook an additional 10–15 minutes, until the rice is tender.
5. Remove pudding from heat, add the sugar and butter, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
6. Divide the hot pudding evenly into 4 dessert bowls and sprinkle each with ground cinnamon.
7. Cover each pudding with plastic wrap and press directly against the pudding’s surface to prevent a film from forming and allow to cool.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy! Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

NUTRITION • PER ONE SERVING

Calories 216 (10%)
Total Fat 5.37 g (11%)
Saturated Fat 2.93 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.364 g
Monounsaturated Fat 1.446 g
Trans Fat 0.039 g
Cholesterol 15 mg
Sodium 61 mg (4%)
Total Carbohydrate: 36.45 g (15%)
Dietary Fiber: 1.7 g (7%)
Total Sugars: 14.68 g
Protein: 5.86 g (11%)
Vitamin A 238 mcg (18%)
Vitamin C 3.2 mcg (4%)
Vitamin D 3 mcg (1%)
Potassium 221 mg (5%)
Calcium 163 mg (16%)
Iron 1.83 mg (10%)

This AMAZING Recipe can be found in my new Desserts on the Mediterranean cookbook here