Balochi-style Sweet Rice Pudding

Ingredients

While the original Senegalese Ngalakh is a sweet dish made with millet, peanuts, and baobab fruit, the Balochi-style Sweet Rice Pudding is a creamy dessert made with rice, milk, saffron, and aromatic spices. The flavors and ingredients have been adapted to suit the Balochi cuisine, incorporating the use of saffron, cardamom, and rose water, which are commonly found in Balochi desserts. The original dish's texture and taste have been transformed into a velvety and fragrant rice pudding, offering a unique experience of Balochi flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Ngalakh, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) basmati rice 1 cup (200g) basmati rice
• 4 cups (950ml) whole milk 4 cups (950ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon rose water 1 tablespoon rose water
• Pistachios and almonds, for garnish Pistachios and almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 20g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. 2.
   In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the rice and milk mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in a tablespoon of warm milk.
5. 5.
   Add the saffron mixture, ground cardamom, and sugar to the rice pudding. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Continue to simmer the pudding for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. 7.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the rose water.
8. 8.
   Allow the pudding to cool slightly before transferring it to serving bowls.
9. 9.
   Garnish with pistachios and almonds.
10. 10.
    Serve warm or chilled.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To enhance the flavor and color, soak the saffron threads in warm milk before adding them to the pudding.
• Rose water — Use a good quality rose water for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your preference for the floral aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the whole milk with heavy cream.
• Soaking the rice for 30 minutes before cooking can help achieve a softer texture.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste preference.
• Toast the pistachios and almonds before garnishing for an extra nutty flavor.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle some edible rose petals on top of the pudding before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Balochi-style Sweet Rice Pudding warm or chilled, depending on your preference. It can be enjoyed as a comforting dessert on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Presentation advice

Present the Balochi-style Sweet Rice Pudding in individual serving bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios and almonds. For an elegant touch, you can also drizzle some rose water on top of the pudding before adding the nuts.