Sutlijaš
Bosnian Rice Pudding
A creamy and comforting traditional Bosnian rice pudding, known as Sutlijaš, made with simple ingredients like rice, milk, and sugar. It's often flavored with vanilla or lemon zest and can be served warm or cold, typically dusted with cinnamon.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 L Milk
- 200 g White rice
- 100 g Granulated sugar(adjust to taste)
- 1 packet or 1 tsp Vanilla sugar or extract
- 1 tsp Lemon zest(optional)
- to taste Cinnamon(for dusting)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- 2
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the milk, rinsed rice, sugar, vanilla sugar (or extract), and lemon zest (if using).
- 3
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and simmer for about 40-50 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the rice cooks evenly and the pudding thickens. The pudding should be creamy and the rice tender.
- 5
Taste and adjust sugar if needed. If the pudding becomes too thick, you can stir in a little more milk.
- 6
Ladle the Sutlijaš into individual serving bowls or a larger serving dish.
- 7
Allow to cool slightly before serving warm, or chill in the refrigerator and serve cold. Dust generously with cinnamon before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Stirring frequently is crucial to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
- ✓For an even creamier texture, some recipes suggest adding a bit of heavy cream towards the end of cooking.
- ✓If you don't have vanilla sugar, use vanilla extract and add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of raisins during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Top with chopped walnuts or almonds for added texture.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce can be added before serving.