Classic Basque Rice Pudding
Photography by Tim Clinch.
This is the perfect opportunity to do nothing else but pay attention to what you are doing for 45 whole minutes! The simplicity of this classic dessert is enhanced by the care you give it. Fresh milk, good rice and the flavors of citrus and cinnamon are slightly sweetened and thickened by the slow cooking. The creamy, comforting results are delicious warm or at room temperature.
INGREDIENTS
1 litre whole milk
2/3 cup short grain risotto rice e.g. Arborio – do not rinse!
1⁄2 cup sugar
zest of one orange zest of one lemon 1 cinnamon stick
METHOD
In a heavy bottomed saucepan, bring all the ingredients slowly to a boil over a medium heat. Now, reduce the heat so that the rice is just simmering. And stir often. Remove the zests after 20-30 minutes to keep them getting bitter. You’ll question the small amount of rice to milk, but it will thicken in approximately 45 minutes. It’s worth it! Remove the cinnamon stick and dust with additional cinnamon before serving.

Keep up to date with
dish weekly recipes,
food news, and events.
latest issue:
Issue #119
Welcome to 2025 and a brand-new year of whipping up delicious recipe withdish! We start the year right with issue 119, jam-packed with easy, mouthwatering meals to make at home. From stunning salads to quick and tasty one-pan chicken dishes, to spectacular sweet treats. We have duos covered with our dinners for two, plenty of wonderful recipes for easy flavour-packed entertaining and make the most of the abundance of fresh seasonal produce. We finish off with a whistle-stop tour of South Australia’s wine country and a round-up of our top tipples from 2024. The latest issue of dish is on sale NOW at all good bookstores and supermarkets – don’t miss it!