Ryzogalo or Greek Rice Pudding

Sydney Mike's Note:

The Greek name for this recipe is pronounced 'ree-ZOH-ghah-loh" & it makes for a very sweet, creamy kind of pudding, with emphasis on the cream!

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 1/4 cups water
• 3/4 cup short-grain rice
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 3 3/4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine rice & water. Bring to boil, then turn heat down to low & cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently with wooden spoon.
2. Warm milk & stir into rice along with half the sugar [NOTE: If your preference is for a less-sweet pudding, consider reducing the 3/4 cup to 2/3 cup, then use HALF OF THAT at this time]. Cover & continue to cook over very low heat for 20 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally.
3. Dissolve cornstarch in as little cold water as possible (about 2 tablespoons, but make sure it is FULLY dissolved) & add to rice.
4. Continue to stir briskly, simmering for a full 5 minutes, then remove from heat, & set aside, covered, for 10 minutes.
5. Whisk egg yolks with the last half of the sugar, then add to rice mixture, stirring with wooden spoon until very well blended (to thicken & to prevent yolks from cooking separately).
6. Set aside to cool in the saucepan or in individual serving dishes.
7. Serve at room temperature, sprinkled with cinnamon.

Reviews

[**Mandy**]

This tastes exactly like a rice pudding I used to purchase in the supermarket which has since been discontinued, lovely flavour and even the kids loved it. Thanks for posting!

[Tony Rules The Kitchen... Sally Watches!]

We have had this several times and it is always delicious and well received!

[*Kathy*]

Fantastic! I didn't have any short-grain rice on hand, so I used kalijira rice (a miniature long-grain rice) that has an beautiful perfume and delicate flavor. I bought whole milk specifically for this recipe, but it was sour when I opened the carton. So I used the fat-free milk had on hand, and the recipe turned out perfectly. The low setting on my gas range must be really low because Step 2 took about 30-35 minutes for me. BUT it was worth the wait! I like rice pudding warm or cold, which is good because I dove right in and had a small bowl just minutes after the pudding was done. Thanks so much, this one's a treasure.