Greek Rice Pudding (Rizogalo)

greek rice pudding feature image close up in bowl with cinnamon

5 from 1 vote

Greek Rice Pudding (Rizogalo) is the ultimate creamy, comforting dessert with a hint of warm cinnamon and vanilla. This traditional Greek treat is made with simple pantry staples like rice, milk, and sugar, slowly simmered to perfection for a thick, velvety texture. No eggs, just pure, rich creaminess!

Prep Time10

Total Time1

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Greek

Servings:

Calories: 286kcal

Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

Medium saucepan
Large Pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt
4 cups whole milk
½ cup sugar
2 tsps vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon divided

Instructions

Rinse the Arborio rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
In a large pot, combine the whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture just begins to simmer.
Add the cooked rice to the simmering milk mixture. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring continuously, for 30-40 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
Stir in the half of the ground cinnamon, mixing well. Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving warm, or transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for a few hours for a chilled dessert. Garnish with remaining cinnamon if desired.

Notes

Storage Store any leftover Greek rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze This dish is not freezer friendly.

Reheat Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to maintain its creaminess.

Substitutions

Milk Alternatives: If you choose not to use whole milk (recommended), you can substitute almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Sweetener: Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
Rice: Substitute Arborio rice with short-grain rice like sushi rice for a similar texture.

Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.

Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition