Summer Rice Dessert

Lebanese Summer Rice Dessert Recipe with Milk, Cinnamon, and Vanilla Extract

Region / culture: Lebanon | Servings: 6

Introduction

Summer Rice Dessert is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. This creamy and sweet dessert is made with simple ingredients and is easy to prepare. The combination of milk, rice, sugar, and vanilla creates a comforting and satisfying treat that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe has been enjoyed for generations in many cultures around the world. Rice pudding is a popular dessert in many countries, with variations in ingredients and flavors. The addition of cinnamon on top is a common way to enhance the flavor of the dish. This Summer Rice Dessert is a light and refreshing twist on the classic rice pudding, perfect for the warmer months.

Ingredients

2 liters of milk
1 cup of long-grain rice
1 cup of sugar
1.5 tbsp of vanilla extract
cinnamon, to sprinkle

How to prepare

Bring the milk to a boil and add the rice. Stir constantly to prevent sticking.
Halfway through cooking the rice, add the sugar and vanilla extract.
Continue stirring and finish cooking the rice.
Be careful not to overcook the rice, as it can become sticky.
Once cooked, allow the rice to cool down for approximately 30 minutes before serving it into dishes.
Once the rice has reached room temperature, sprinkle cinnamon on top for decoration and added flavor. Then, cover and refrigerate overnight.
Serve the dish chilled.

Variations

Add raisins or dried fruit for a burst of flavor.
Use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Stir constantly while cooking the rice to prevent sticking.

- Be careful not to overcook the rice, as it can become sticky.

- Allow the rice to cool down before serving to achieve the perfect texture.

- Sprinkling cinnamon on top adds a decorative touch and enhances the flavor of the dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Summer Rice Dessert chilled as a refreshing treat on a hot summer day. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with fresh fruit for added sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

Stir constantly while cooking the rice to prevent sticking.

- Allow the rice to cool down before serving to achieve the perfect texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown rice or jasmine rice instead of long-grain rice.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Simply sprinkle cinnamon on top before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this dessert in individual dishes garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Summer Rice Dessert with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comforting and satisfying treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Fats: 5g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of calcium and vitamin D.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

This Summer Rice Dessert is a balanced dessert option, providing carbohydrates for energy, fats for satiety, and proteins for muscle repair and growth. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious treat.

Summary

Summer Rice Dessert is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. This creamy and sweet treat is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with fresh fruit. With simple ingredients and a refreshing flavor, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Summer Rice Dessert. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting a dear friend of mine in the countryside. She was known for her delicious and unique desserts, and I was always eager to learn new recipes from her.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on some iced tea and chatting about life, she suddenly jumped up from her seat and exclaimed, "I have the perfect dessert to cool us down on this sweltering day!" With a twinkle in her eye, she reached for a tattered old cookbook on the shelf and flipped through the pages with excitement.

She finally landed on a page that was stained and crinkled from years of use. The recipe was for a Summer Rice Dessert, a delightful combination of creamy rice pudding, fresh berries, and a hint of citrus. I watched in awe as my friend effortlessly gathered the ingredients and started to prepare the dish.

The kitchen was soon filled with the aroma of vanilla and lemon zest, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result. As she served me a generous portion of the dessert, I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a place of pure bliss. The creamy rice pudding was perfectly cooked, the berries added a burst of sweetness, and the citrus zest gave it a refreshing twist.

I begged my friend to share the recipe with me, and she laughed and said, "Of course, dear! But remember, the key to a great dessert is to put love and care into every step of the process." With that advice in mind, I carefully wrote down the recipe in my own cookbook and vowed to make it for my family and friends.

Over the years, I have made this Summer Rice Dessert countless times, each time with a sense of joy and nostalgia. It has become a staple at family gatherings and dinner parties, and I always receive rave reviews from those who taste it.

One day, while visiting my grandmother in the city, I decided to whip up a batch of the dessert for her. As she watched me cook in her small kitchen, she suddenly exclaimed, "I know that recipe! It's the same one your great-grandmother used to make during the summers when I was a little girl."

I was stunned. I had no idea that this recipe had been passed down through generations in my family. My grandmother went on to tell me stories of how her mother would make the dessert for special occasions, using ingredients from their own garden and dairy farm.

As I listened to her tales, I realized that this Summer Rice Dessert was more than just a recipe – it was a connection to my family's past, a reminder of the love and care that had been put into each dish over the years.

From that moment on, the dessert became even more special to me. I continued to make it for my loved ones, sharing the stories of its origins and the memories that it held for me.

And so, as I sit here in my own cozy kitchen, preparing another batch of Summer Rice Dessert, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that has brought so much joy and connection to my life. It may have started with a friend's cookbook, but it has since become a treasured piece of my family's history, passed down from one generation to the next. And for that, I am truly thankful.