Sciltiaz : a rice pudding

We were given this recipe by Alili’s mother. The pudding is called SCILTIAZ and Alili says it is delicious.

INGREDIENTS

·      1 litre whole milk

·      250g rice, such as basmati

·      250 g sugar (100 g. if you are on a diet)

·      To decorate:

vark (edible silver or gold leaf, available from specialist cake shops; optional)

some pistachios (optional)

PREPARATION

1.    Pour the milk into a heavy-based pan and heat gently.

2.    Add the  rice to the milk.

3.    Slowly bring to the boil then lower the heat and simmer rapidly, stirring from time to time  until the milk is reduced by about half; this may take about  1/2 hour

4.    Transfer the rice pudding to a bowl. Add the sugar and taste, adding more sugar if you want it sweeter.

5.     Leave to cool.

6.    Cover the bowl with cling film and cool in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight.

7.    When ready to serve, spoon into individual serving bowls. Decorate with vark, if using.

8.    Sprinkle a few chopped pistachios on top, if you like

9.    Serve.