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Two bowls of orange blossom rice custard with crushed pistachios, honey drizzle, and rose petals on marble

Orange Blossom Rice Custard

A stovetop rice custard scented with orange blossom water. Creamy, lightly sweet, and ready in 40 minutes with everyday pantry ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 100 g short-grain rice (Arborio or sushi rice) rinsed until water runs clear
  • 750 ml whole milk
  • 60 g caster sugar
  • 2 egg yolks large
  • 1 to 2 tbsp orange blossom water add to taste, brands vary in strength
  • 1 pinch pinch of fine salt
  • 2 tbsp crushed pistachios to serve, optional
  • 1 tsp per bowl honey to serve, optional

Method
 

  1. Combine the rinsed rice, 700 ml of the milk, and the salt in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 20 to 22 minutes, stirring every two to three minutes and scraping the base of the pan, until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened to a loose porridge consistency.
  3. While the rice cooks, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and remaining 50 ml of milk together in a small bowl until pale and smooth.
  4. Once the rice is tender, reduce the heat to low. Pour a ladleful of the hot rice mixture slowly into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the yolks.
  5. Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan, stirring continuously. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes over low heat until the custard thickens slightly more and coats the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the orange blossom water, starting with one tablespoon and tasting before adding more.
  7. Spoon into serving bowls or glasses. Serve warm immediately, or press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of each portion and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set and chilled.
  8. Top with crushed pistachios and a drizzle of honey just before serving.

Notes

Orange blossom water potency varies by brand. Lebanese and Moroccan brands tend to be stronger than supermarket varieties, so always taste before adding the full amount.