Oven-Baked Rice Pudding

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Certainly! Here’s a complete, rich, and detailed recipe for the dish in the image, which appears to be a Baked Rice Pudding (or Oven-Baked Riz au Lait / Rizogalo au Four)—a classic comfort dessert made with rice, milk, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, often topped with a golden caramelized crust.

🍚 Oven-Baked Rice Pudding (Caramelized Rice Custard)

🌟 Introduction:

Creamy, comforting, and caramelized on top, baked rice pudding is a timeless dessert enjoyed across cultures and generations. Unlike stovetop rice pudding, the oven-baked version is slowly cooked until the surface turns golden brown while the inside remains soft and custardy. It’s a dessert full of nostalgia, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings.

📜 History:

Rice pudding traces its roots back to ancient times—appearing in various forms in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. In France, it’s known as “riz au lait”, in Greece as “rizogalo”, in Turkey as “fırın sütlaç”, and in Latin America as “arroz con leche.” The baked version became especially popular in European households in the 18th–19th century as a rich, indulgent treat using simple pantry staples.

🛒 Ingredients:

For the Rice Pudding:

  • 1 cup arborio or short-grain rice (rinsed)
  • 4 cups whole milk (plus more if needed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)

For the Caramelized Top (Optional but Recommended):

  • 2–3 tbsp brown sugar or white sugar (for torching or broiling)

🍳 Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Grease a large ceramic or glass baking dish with butter.

Step 2: Par-Cook the Rice

  • In a medium saucepan, combine rice and 2 cups of milk.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook over medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is just slightly tender but not fully cooked. Add more milk if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard Mixture

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
    • Remaining 2 cups of milk
    • Cream
    • Sugar
    • Vanilla
    • Salt
    • Eggs

Step 4: Combine and Pour

  • Add the par-cooked rice to the custard mixture.
  • Mix well and pour everything into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Bake in Water Bath

  • Place the baking dish inside a larger deep roasting pan.
  • Pour hot water into the outer pan to create a water bath (Bain-Marie) until halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
  • Carefully place in the oven and bake for 60–75 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly.

Step 6: Caramelize the Top

  • Remove and cool slightly.
  • Sprinkle brown sugar on top and either broil for 3–5 minutes or use a kitchen torch to caramelize.

🧪 Methods:

  • Bain-Marie Baking: Ensures even cooking and prevents curdling of the custard.
  • Par-Cooking Rice: Guarantees the rice softens perfectly in the oven without overbaking.
  • Torching/Broiling: Adds a rich flavor contrast and signature look with the caramelized crust.

🍃 Benefits:

  • Comfort Food: Warm, creamy, and nostalgic.
  • Calcium Rich: Thanks to milk and cream.
  • Customizable: Add cinnamon, raisins, cardamom, lemon zest, or even coconut milk!
  • Digestive Friendly: When made with whole ingredients, it’s gentle on the stomach.

⚗️ Formation (How it Cooks):

The proteins in the egg and milk set to form a custard, while the rice releases starch, thickening the mixture. The top browns via the Maillard reaction, giving it a nutty, caramel flavor and aroma.

❤️ Lovers of This Dish:

  • Dessert Lovers: For its creamy, sweet, and nostalgic flavor.
  • Kids: Easy to chew and naturally sweet.
  • Elders: A gentle dessert with soft texture and warm memories.
  • Cultural Cooks: A dish with a universal identity—adapted around the globe.

🧠 Nutrition (per serving, approx. based on 8 servings):

  • Calories: ~300 kcal
  • Protein: 7g
  • Carbs: 40g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Calcium: 20% DV
  • Sugar: 25g

Note: These values may vary based on ingredients used.

🏁 Conclusion:

Baked rice pudding is more than a dessert—it’s a cozy hug in a bowl. With its creamy interior and golden crust, it bridges cultures and generations, offering both nourishment and nostalgia. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s a sweet finale that never fails to please.

💕 Conclusion with Lovers Again:

This dessert connects grandmothers and children, homemakers and chefs, all with one spoonful. From the rustic kitchens of old Europe to today’s modern tables, rice pudding continues to be a dish that brings people together with its warm simplicity and rich comfort.

Would you like a chocolate version, coconut-milk version, or lemon zest twist next?

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