Roz bil Laban
Egyptian Rice Pudding
A beloved Egyptian street dessert, Roz bil Laban is a creamy and comforting rice pudding infused with the delicate floral notes of rose water. It's traditionally served chilled and is a simple yet satisfying treat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 150 g Short-grain rice (like Arborio or Egyptian rice)(Rinsing the rice is optional but can help prevent stickiness.)
- 1 cup Water(For cooking the rice initially.)
- 1 L Whole milk(Full-fat milk will yield the creamiest result.)
- 150 g Granulated sugar(Adjust to your sweetness preference. You can also use caster sugar.)
- 1 tbsp Rose water(Add at the end to preserve its delicate aroma. Use good quality rose water.)
- for topping Ground cinnamon(For dusting on top.)
- for topping Chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, or walnuts)(Optional, but adds a nice crunch.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear (optional). In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Pour the milk into the saucepan with the cooked rice. Add the sugar. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, uncovered, for about 25-30 minutes. Stir frequently, scraping the bottom and sides of the pot. The pudding will gradually thicken. You are looking for a consistency that coats the back of a spoon, but is not overly stiff, as it will thicken more as it cools.
⏱️ 25-30 minutes - 4
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the rose water. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary. Ladle the rice pudding into individual serving bowls or a larger serving dish. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1.5 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
⏱️ 30 minutes cooling + 1.5 hours chilling - 5
Before serving, sprinkle generously with ground cinnamon and chopped nuts, if desired.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an extra creamy texture, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream or a splash of vanilla extract along with the rose water.
- ✓Ensure you stir frequently during the simmering process to prevent scorching and achieve a smooth consistency.
- ✓Roz bil Laban is best served cold, making it a perfect dessert for warm weather or after a rich meal.
- ✓The pudding will thicken considerably upon chilling. If it becomes too stiff, you can stir in a little milk before serving.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the rose water for a vanilla-rose flavor.
- Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream at the end of cooking for an even richer pudding.
- Top with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of shredded coconut.