Turkish Baked Rice Pudding (Sütlaç).

The Story

Sütlaç is for me the purest taste of childhood. My mother would put the large pot on the stove as the sun set, and we would grow up to the rhythm of the wooden spoon against the pan. The faint brown blush the oven gives the top is what makes it complete.

1. 01

   Rinse the rice and simmer in just enough water for 20 minutes until soft.

2. 02

   Warm the milk in a large saucepan over medium heat.

3. 03

   Add the cooked rice to the milk; cook, stirring constantly, for 20 minutes until completely soft.

4. 04

   Stir in the sugar and vanilla; cook for a further 10 minutes, stirring, until the consistency is like a creamy custard.

5. 05

   Pour into oven-safe dishes. Optionally bake at 200°C until the tops are lightly browned.

6. 06

   Refrigerate once cool. Dust with cinnamon just before serving.