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Sütlaç

Serves 4 to 6 Dessert vegetarian, Desserts

Sütlaç

Sütlaç, a beloved Turkish dessert, finds its roots in the heart of home kitchens across the country. It's a dish that transcends specific occasions, often enjoyed as a comforting end to any meal, whether it's a simple family dinner or a festive gathering. Turkish cooks have perfected this creamy rice pudding over generations, crafting it with an instinctive touch that balances ingredients and flavors.

The hallmark of Sütlaç is its velvety texture, achieved by simmering milk and rice until they meld into a smooth, luscious pudding. Sweetened just right with sugar and perfumed with a hint of vanilla, this dish offers a gentle embrace of warmth. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds an aromatic finish that elevates each spoonful, creating a simple yet satisfying dessert experience.

Ingredients

  • 1 Lmilk
  • 80 grice
  • 150 gsugar
  • 1 tspvanilla
  • to finishcinnamon

Method

  1. Start by rinsing 80 g of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook evenly in the sütlaç. Once rinsed, place the rice in a medium-sized saucepan and add 1 L of milk. Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the milk from scorching.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. Continue cooking until the rice is tender and has absorbed some of the milk, which should take about 20 to 30 minutes. The mixture should thicken slightly, but still be quite liquid.
  3. Once the rice is cooked, add 150 g of sugar to the pot. Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely. Add 1 tsp of vanilla to the mixture for flavor. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the sütlaç thickens to a creamy consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon without running off immediately.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. This will allow the sütlaç to thicken a bit more as it cools. Pour the sütlaç into individual serving bowls or a large serving dish, depending on your preference.
  5. Sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon over the top of each serving. The cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic finish to the sütlaç. Allow the sütlaç to cool to room temperature, or chill it in the refrigerator if you prefer it cold.
  6. Serve the sütlaç at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. It should have a creamy, pudding-like texture, with the rice fully cooked and the flavors well melded. Enjoy this comforting dessert with family and friends.
Cover of Authentic Turkish Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Turkish Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Turkish Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Turkish volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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