Rice Pudding

Serves 4-6

This is a popular low-fat dessert.

• 1 cup Basmati or long-grain rice, coarsely ground
• 2 Tbsp crushed almonds
• 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
• 3 3/4 cups 2% skimmed milk
• 6 Tbsp suggar
• 1 Tbsp rosewater (alternately, vanilla extract)
• 1 tsp crushed pistachio nuts or a few golden raisins

Coarsely grind the rice if needed (by soaking rice in equal amount water and then mashing it with a heavy wooden spoon). 

Place the rice in a medium saucepan over the stove. Add almonds, green cardamoms, and 2 1/2 cub of milk. Bring to a boil over, stirring regularly medium-high heat.

Lower heat. Add the remaining milk and cook covered for 10-15 minutes or until the rice mixture thickens to creamy consistency.

Stir in the sugar and rose water and cook further for 2 minutes. Serve cold, garnished with pistachio nuts or golden raisins on top.