Name: Fırın Sütlaç (Baked Turkish Rice Pudding) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 cup short-grain rice; 2 cups water (for cooking rice); 4 cups whole milk; 1 cup sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp cinnamon powder (plus extra for garnish)

Introduction

Fırın Sütlaç is a beloved Turkish baked rice pudding with a creamy texture and a lightly caramelized top. This comforting dessert combines tender rice with sweetened milk and a hint of cinnamon, perfect for any occasion.

Three white ceramic ramekins filled with a creamy beige textured dessert that looks like rice pudding or custard with visible grains. Each ramekin is topped with a small dark brown cinnamon stick placed upright and scattered with small red dried fruit pieces or flakes, adding a pop of color. The ramekins sit close together on a white plate set against a white marbled surface, giving a clean and simple background. The lighting highlights the shiny, slightly glossy surface of the dessert. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup short-grain rice
4 cups whole milk
1 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 tsp cinnamon powder

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Rinse the rice under cold water, then combine it with 2 cups of water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Gently fold the cooked rice into the milk mixture, making sure there are no lumps.
Step 5: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the top turns golden brown.
Step 6: Let the sütlaç cool before serving. Optionally, sprinkle additional cinnamon on top as a garnish.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, substitute half of the whole milk with heavy cream.
Use a torch or broiler for a more caramelized top if you like it crispier.
Add a few rose petals or crushed pistachios as a garnish for a traditional touch.
For a naturally sweet variation, reduce the sugar and add a touch of honey or maple syrup.

Storage

Store leftover fırın sütlaç covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to restore its creamy texture. It’s best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Seven small bowls, five white and two brown, hold a creamy yellow dessert with burnt brown spots on the top layer. Each bowl is sprinkled with crushed nuts, mostly on one side, creating a textured look. The bowls are set on a white marbled surface scattered with whole walnuts and cinnamon sticks. A blue and white checked cloth is partly visible on the left side. The dessert's glossy, smooth top layer contrasts with the rough nut topping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Short-grain rice works best because it becomes tender and creamy, but you can use medium-grain rice if needed. Avoid long-grain rice as it stays firmer and less creamy.

Is it necessary to bake the rice pudding?

Baking gives fırın sütlaç its characteristic caramelized crust and richer flavor, but you can enjoy a stovetop version without baking if preferred.

Fırın Sütlaç (Baked Turkish Rice Pudding) Recipe

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Fırın Sütlaç is a traditional Turkish baked rice pudding known for its creamy texture and lightly caramelized top. This comforting dessert combines tender rice simmered in milk with sweetened egg mixture, baked to golden perfection and subtly flavored with vanilla and cinnamon.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Turkish
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Base

1 cup short-grain rice
2 cups water (for cooking rice)

Milk Mixture

4 cups whole milk
1 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs

Toppings & Garnishes

1 tsp cinnamon powder (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pudding.
Cook the Rice: Rinse the short-grain rice thoroughly under cold water. Place it in a medium pot with 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
Mix Milk and Eggs: In a separate large bowl, whisk together whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until fully combined and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Combine Rice and Milk Mixture: Gently fold the cooked rice into the milk and egg mixture, mixing carefully to integrate the ingredients evenly without breaking the rice grains.
Bake the Pudding: Pour the combined mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the pudding is set.
Cool and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the pudding cool to room temperature to allow proper setting. Before serving, optionally sprinkle additional cinnamon powder on top for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

Use short-grain rice for the creamiest texture, as it releases more starch.
Ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender before mixing with milk to avoid a grainy texture.
Let the pudding cool completely to allow it to thicken properly before serving.
For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the milk with cream.
Serve chilled or at room temperature according to preference.

Keywords: Fırın Sütlaç, Turkish baked rice pudding, rice pudding dessert, traditional Turkish dessert, baked milk rice pudding