Halawet El Riz - Rice and Cheese Cream
A decadent layered dessert made with rice, cheese and sweet clotted cream infused with blossom and rose water will leave you speechless! A cousin to the well known Middle Eastern Dessert, Halawet El Jibn
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups short grain rice
- 2 16 oz Fresh Belgioioso Cheese or 16 oz block of mozzarella cheese
- 6 cups water
- 2 tablespoons blossom water mazaher
- ⅓ cup rose water mawarid
- 2 ½ cups cane sugar or xylitol or white sugar
Instructions
- To remove the sodium, soak the cheese in water for 1-3 hours or over night, renewing the water a few times- if using Belgioioso cheese, there is no need to soak!
- In a pot add washed short or medium grain rice. Cover with 6 cups of water. Bring water to a boil for about 4 minutes then simmer for 30 minutes covered stirring occasionally until all the water has been soaked by the rice.
- After 30 minutes if needed if the rice hans’t fully soaked all the water, cover it and leave it or another 10-20 minutes.
- Now, using an immersion blender blemd the rice until it is a creamy consistency.
- Add the drained cheese and sugar into the pot of creamed rice. Place on medium heat and begin to stir consistently until all ingredients are well combined and content is stretchy.
- Add in the rosewater and blossom water and continue mixing to combine on medium heat.
- Now, pour the warm cheese filling into a 9x13 pyrex. Allow it to cool.
- Top is with a layer of ashta (sweet cream). Garnish with ground pistachio.
- Place it in the fridge for 4 hours or over night. Enjoy as is or for added sweetness, drizzle honey or simple syrup.
Video
Notes
If there is extra cheese filling, add it to another baking dish!
Enjoy it warm or refrigerate it for 2-4 hours to enjoy it chilled! It is delicious both ways, in my opinion.
Make sure to stir the mixture constantly while cooking to prevent any lumps from forming and to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
When spreading the rice mixture onto the tray, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth and even layer. This will ensure that each portion of Halawet El Riz has a consistent texture and appearance, enhancing its presentation and overall appeal.
Lightly greasing the tray with butter or oil before spreading the mixture can prevent it from sticking and make it easier to cut into neat servings later on.
Use full-fat milk for a richer and creamier texture.
Drizzle with extra syrup just before serving for an extra burst of sweetness.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Enjoy your Halawet El Riz with a cup of aromatic Arabic coffee for the perfect pairing.
Allow the dessert to set for a few hours before cutting into it for cleaner slices.