Greek Rice Pudding (Rizogalo)
Greek rice pudding is a traditional dessert made with subtle flavors like cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and orange zest to infuse you with warmth and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup arborio rice
- 2 cups full fat oat milk (or almond)
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook your rice according to package instructions. Usually bringing water to a boil, adding rice, and then reduce heat to low and cover, simmering until all the water is absorbed.
- In a separate larger saucepan, bring 3/4 cup water to a boil. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves into the water.
- Then add the cinnamon sticks, the cloves, and the orange zest. Simmer on medium-low heat for about 7 minutes so that the flavors can reduce into the water.
- After the 7 minutes, remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves from the water. Then add the maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon powder. Stir in until well combined.
- Then add the milk. Turn heat on high and bring to a bowl. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and then add the cooked rice. Simmer on low, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes or until it has thickened to a creamy texture and not runny. Make sure you stir frequently as the rice can stick to the bottom.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes. It will gradually continue to thicken. Sprinkle on your toppings of choice and serve!
Notes
1. Rice pudding is best served warm. If serving the next day, simply reheat either on the stove top or microwave.
2. You can store up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the rice will get too hard and it won't be as tasty or creamy.
3. You may find that overnight in the refrigerator the rice has drank up more liquid and your rice pudding has become extra thick. If that's the case, simply add more cold milk, stir in well and then reheat.
4. Sweetness is a personal preference. If the rice pudding is not sweet enough for you, can certainly add more sugar - you'd add the extra in step 2 and dissolve it into the water or you can add sweetness by topping off with maple syrup or honey when serving.