Rizogalo (Greek Rice Pudding)
User Reviews
5
Rizogalo (Greek Rice Pudding)
Description
In this recipe, arborio rice is cooked slowly in whole milk blended with aromatic spices such as a cinnamon stick, vanilla bean seeds, lemon rind, and orange zest to develop a fragrant base. Continuous whisking prevents sticking and helps achieve a smooth consistency. The milk mixture is simmered until the rice is tender and the liquid thickens to a creamy state resembling heavy cream.
A cornstarch slurry is then added to further thicken the pudding, ensuring it holds its shape while remaining pourable. Sweetened with sugar, the pudding balances delicate citrus notes with warm cinnamon and rich vanilla, resulting in a comforting dessert with a silky mouthfeel.
Rizogalo is typically served cold straight from the refrigerator and topped with a dusting of ground cinnamon. It offers a gentle sweetness and satisfying creaminess ideal for concluding a meal. Variations include omitting citrus or cinnamon, adding cardamom, or using honey as a sweetener.
To prevent a skin from forming during storage, cover tightly with cling film. Consume within two days and avoid reheating to maintain the pudding's texture and flavor integrity.
Ingredients
- 4 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup arborio rice uncooked and unrinsed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 lemon rind 2-inch strip
- orange zest zest of 1/4 orange
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Season the milk. In a medium saucepan, add the milk, rice, cinnamon stick, lemon rind, and orange zest. Use a small knife to split the vanilla pod in half lengthwise then scrape the seeds into the pan and discard the pod (if you are using vanilla extract, wait to add it until later).
- Bring to a simmer. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low to medium heat, whisking continuously for the first 3 minutes so that the milk and rice do not stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Cook the rice. Continue to cook rice, whisking vigorously every six or so minutes and until the rice is very tender and the mixture has started to thicken. This should take about 35-40 minutes. To check if the rice is cooked, taste a rice grain. It should be very soft. The consistency of the milk should be thick like heavy cream.
- Thicken. Dilute the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl. Pour into the rice mixture over low heat, whisking until combined and the pudding has thickened yet is slightly pourable in consistency. This will happen quickly, so keep an eye on it. Remove from heat. It will continue to thicken slightly while it cools, so do not make it too thick.
- Finish. Remove and discard the lemon rind and cinnamon stick. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using) and sweeten to taste (I like about 2 tablespoons of sugar to start).
- Serve. Pour the pudding into 5 serving bowls and liberally sprinkle with ground cinnamon. It can be enjoyed, warm, at room temperature or cold.
Notes
- Do not rinse the arborio rice to preserve starch needed for the pudding's texture.
- Honey can be used instead of sugar; add 1-2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
- Omitting citrus and replacing cinnamon with cardamom offers a distinct flavor variation.
- Traditionally served chilled with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon; nuts or fruit compotes can be added as toppings.
- Cover pudding with cling film if not eaten within 2 hours to avoid skin formation; consume within 2 days without reheating.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 2815 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 281.5kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 40.8g | 14% |
| Protein | 10.2g | 20% |
| Fat | 8.5g | 13% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1.8g | 9% |
| Cholesterol | 31.1mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 99.3mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 415.7mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1.3g | 5% |
| Sugar | 18.7g | 37% |
| Vitamin A | 423.3IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 330.6mg | 33% |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
