Traditional Turkish Sütlaç Recipe: A Creamy Rice Pudding Delight

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of milk
  • 1/2 cup of short-grain rice
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of corn starch
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 teaspoon of rose water
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
  • Ground cinnamon, for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove the extra starch from the rice.
  2. In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is soft.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little bit of cold milk to create a slurry. Set aside.
  4. Add the rest of the milk, sugar, rose water, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the pot with the cooked rice. Stir well to combine.
  5. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
  6. Increase the heat to medium and continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, for about 10-15 minutes or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
  7. Once the pudding is cooked, ladle it into individual serving dishes or one large dish. Let it cool to room temperature.
  8. Before serving, sprinkle the top of each dish with a little bit of ground cinnamon. You can also refrigerate the pudding for a few hours if you prefer it cold.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace the short-grain rice with long-grain rice for a slightly different texture.
  • Add a handful of raisins or chopped dried fruits to the pudding for added sweetness and flavor.
  • Sprinkle crushed pistachios or almonds on top of the pudding for a crunchy texture.
  • Infuse the milk with a cinnamon stick or cardamom pods while heating for a spiced flavor.
  • Experiment with different flavor extracts such as almond, orange, or lemon for a unique twist.
  • For a creamier texture, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream or coconut milk.
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on top of each serving for a decadent touch.
  • For a vegan version, use almond milk or coconut milk instead of dairy milk and replace the cornstarch with arrowroot powder as a thickening agent.
  • Try using alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia instead of sugar.
  • If you prefer a thicker pudding, increase the amount of cornstarch or rice in the recipe.
  • For a more festive touch, sprinkle some edible rose petals or crushed edible gold leaf on top of each serving.

Recipe overview

This Sütlaç recipe will guide you through the steps to create a traditional Turkish rice pudding that's creamy, sweet, and subtly flavored with rose water and vanilla. It's a simple recipe that requires only a handful of ingredients, but results in a delicately-textured, aromatic dessert that will delight your senses. Cooking the rice in water before adding the milk results in a softer texture, while a touch of cornstarch ensures the final product is beautifully creamy. A sprinkle of cinnamon makes for a wonderfully fragrant finishing touch. Whether served warm or cold, Sütlaç is a comforting, delicious treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Enjoy the process of making this authentic dessert, and savor every spoonful.

Common questions

  1. Can I use long-grain rice instead of short-grain rice? No, it is recommended to use short-grain rice for this recipe as it gives the pudding its desired creamy texture.
  2. Can I substitute the rose water with something else? Yes, if you don't have rose water, you can use orange blossom water or vanilla extract as an alternative.
  3. Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use alternative milk such as almond milk or coconut milk, but keep in mind that it may alter the taste and texture of the final dish.
  4. Can I add raisins or other toppings to the pudding? Yes, you can add raisins, chopped nuts, or even dried fruits as toppings to enhance the flavor and texture of the pudding.
  5. Can I make the pudding ahead of time? Yes, you can make the pudding a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It will thicken further as it cools.
  6. How can I prevent the pudding from forming a skin on top? To prevent a skin from forming on top of the pudding, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding before refrigerating it.
  7. Can I reheat the pudding? Yes, you can reheat the pudding by placing it in a microwave-safe dish and heating it in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
  8. Can I freeze the pudding? It is not recommended to freeze the pudding as it may affect its texture and consistency when thawed.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Saucepan - A large pot with a lid to cook the rice and milk mixture.
  • Whisk - To stir and combine the ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups - For accurate measurements of milk, rice, sugar, etc.
  • Bowls - To mix the cornstarch slurry and hold the pudding before serving.
  • Ladle - To transfer the pudding into serving dishes.
  • Individual serving dishes - Optional, for serving the pudding individually.
  • Cinnamon shaker - To dust the top of each serving with ground cinnamon.
  • Refrigerator - To chill the pudding if desired.

Origin stories

Sütlaç, a comforting and delicately flavored rice pudding, finds its roots in the grand kitchens of the Ottoman Empire. Back in those days, it was a dish favored by sultans and commoners alike, a sweet symbol of the Empire’s cosmopolitan culinary tradition. What’s truly fascinating is how this humble pudding holds a special place in Turkish folklore. It is said that the cooks in the Ottoman palace would prepare Sütlaç on the fifteenth day of Ramadan, known as the "Day of Sütlaç”, and the pudding would be distributed to the poor. It was believed that doing so would safeguard the Empire and its people from famine and misfortune. Even today, Sütlaç continues to be enjoyed across Turkey, its creamy sweetness serving as a nostalgic reminder of shared history and culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.