Homemade Rice Pudding Recipe with a Simple Trick for Perfect Thickness and No Scorching at the Bottom

According to Saednews, Shir Berenj is a simple, nutritious, and delicious Iranian dish made from rice and milk. Despite its easy preparation, it is highly nourishing and especially beneficial for children. It can be served either warm or cold, both offering a pleasant and comforting taste. If you have never tried cold rice pudding, it is worth experiencing. This dish is suitable for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the rice

Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it overnight. This helps it cook faster and release more starch, creating a smoother texture.

Important note: Do not add salt when soaking the rice. Using high-quality Iranian rice is recommended for the best result.

Step 2: Cook the rice

Place the soaked rice in a pot with about two cups of water. Bring it to a boil and let it cook until the water reduces by half.

Step 3: Add milk

Once the water has mostly evaporated, add the milk to the pot. Continue cooking over medium heat until the rice grains soften completely and the mixture thickens.

Make sure the rice grains separate well and fully absorb the milk while cooking slowly.

Step 4: Add rosewater and serve

When the mixture becomes thick and creamy, add rosewater. Remove from heat and pour into serving bowls. You can garnish with dried rose petals and serve with sugar.

Alternatively, it can be served with honey, sugar, or cinnamon depending on your taste.

Tips for Perfect Shir Berenj

• Add rosewater at the end to preserve its aroma.

• If serving with syrup or jam, avoid adding sugar during cooking.

• Keep the heat moderate when adding milk to prevent boiling over.

• Stir frequently after adding milk to avoid sticking and ensure a creamy texture.

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking.

• If the pudding is too thin, cook it longer over low heat until it thickens.

• Using short-grain or broken rice produces a softer, smoother texture.

• Add cinnamon to balance the naturally cold properties of milk and rice.

• Soaked almonds or pistachios can be added for extra flavor.

• For a saffron version, add brewed saffron along with rosewater.

• For a richer version, replace part of the milk with cream.

Nutritional Benefits

Shir Berenj is rich in calcium and B vitamins, especially B2, which help strengthen bones and support growth. It is easy to digest, making it suitable for children, elderly people, and individuals recovering from illness. It also provides energy and can help strengthen the immune system when consumed at breakfast or during fasting periods.

Additional Notes

• Preparation time: ~15 minutes

• Cooking time: ~1 hour

• Can be served as breakfast, snack, dessert, or dinner

• Often used during Ramadan as a light meal for iftar

• Recipe quantity: serves 4 people