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    Cooking Gorgeous » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Sutlac - Turkish Rice Pudding

    Published: Feb 22, 2022 · Modified: Aug 3, 2022 by Ayla Clulee · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Sutlac (the Turkish version of classic Rice Pudding) is a thick and creamy milk-based dessert that has a very special place in Turkish cuisine. The same as Keskul - Turkish Almond Pudding, this traditional rice dessert is delicious yet extremely easy to make with a few ingredients.

    2 ramekins of sutlac - turkish rice pudding
    Creamy and rich baked Sutlac (Turkish Rice Pudding) with a golden top
    Jump to:
    • What is Sutlac?
    • Why This Recipe Works?
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • How to Make Sutlac?
    • Top Tips From the Chef
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • Sutlac (Turkish Rice Pudding)

    This creamy and sweet dessert "Sutlac" is a true masterpiece of Turkish culinary art that has been enjoyed by generations for centuries.

    Turkish cuisine is famous for its indulgent and rich desserts such as Pistachio Baklava and Sekerpare (Turkish Semolina Cookies). Turkey is also known for its delicious milk-based desserts, and you can find a variety of them at Muhallebici shops.

    These light and creamy desserts include popular treats like Sutlac, Güllaç, Kazandibi, Tavuk Göğsü - Turkish Chicken Breast Pudding, and Muhallebi - Mahalabia Dessert. The good news is that you can easily make Sutlac at home and customize it to your liking.

    What is Sutlac?

    Sütlaç is a delicious, creamy, and light milk-based pudding made with rice, milk, and sugar. This traditional Turkish dessert (also known as rice pudding), is made by simmering rice in milk, sugar, and sometimes cinnamon until it thickens and becomes creamy.

    Sutlac is a popular dessert in Turkey and is often served during special occasions such as weddings and religious holidays.

    It is also enjoyed in other countries in the Middle East and the Balkans. This Turkish Style Rice Pudding "Sutlac" recipe is extremely easy to make and can be prepared in two different styles.

    Regular (or Chilled) Sutlac

    This version of Turkish rice pudding is straightforward to make and is perfect if you don't have much time. I usually prefer this method during the summer, when I don't want to put the oven on.

    Simply cook the rice pudding in a large saucepan, divide it into individual bowls, and serve chilled after garnishing with nuts.

    Oven Baked Sutlac

    It is called "Firin Sütlaç" in Turkey and is made exactly with the same ingredients and the same way as the regular version.

    The only difference is that you divide the sutlac into ramekins or small clay pots after it is cooked, and bake them under a broiler until a golden brown skin forms on the top of the sutlac.

    That golden brown layer of skin on the top takes this simple rice pudding to a whole new level. You can serve Firin Sutlac warm or chilled, and garnish with cinnamon or nuts.

    Why This Recipe Works?

    • The best sutlac is the one you will make at home as you can adjust the sweetness and the thickness of your pudding to your taste.
    • This delicious Turkish dessert calls for a few simple ingredients you might already have in your fridge.
    • You can enjoy Sutlac warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
    • Turkish Rice Pudding will keep fresh for up to 5 days when refrigerated.
    • You don't need to add starch or eggs to achieve a rich and creamy texture with my simple Sutlac recipe!
    • You can safely give it to your kids as a healthy snack. Sutlac has been my favorite snack since I was a child!

    Ingredients You'll Need

    Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

    Labelled picture of ingredients for sutlac - Turkish Rice pudding

    What Milk to Use for Sutlac?

    The secret to a truly delicious sutlac is using fresh, unpasteurized milk as it was done in the old days. However, the full-fat milk and cream combination works great as well.

    If you want to use semi-skimmed or fat-free milk, you might not achieve the right consistency without adding cornstarch and eggs. You can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of whole milk to make vegan sutlac. Simply replace the regular milk with your favorite non-dairy milk.

    Rice pudding made with coconut milk will have a subtle coconut flavor as well. 

    Best Rice for Sutlac

    Using the right type of rice is as important as the milk. The best options are Baldo, Osmancik, or Tosya, the same varieties I use for making Turkish Rice (Sehriyeli Pilav). They are available in most Turkish / Middle Eastern shops or you can buy them online from Amazon.

    Alternatively, you can use arborio or any other short-grain rice for sutlac. Don't be tempted to wash the rice as we want the starch to thicken our pudding.

    • Cream - Double cream or heavy cream helps Sutlac to have a rich and creamy texture.
    • Vanilla paste - It is a great flavoring for milk-based desserts. Vanilla beans are the best option if you have them or you can use a good-quality vanilla extract.
    • Sugar - I use caster sugar or granulated sugar. Adjust the amount to your taste.

    How to Make Sutlac?

    Making Turkish-style rice pudding is very easy. However, you need to follow a few simple steps and tips to achieve the best results:

    Measure the rice and place it along with the milk in a large pot on low heat. Don't be tempted to wash it as we need the starch from the rice to thicken our pudding!

    place the milk and rice in a pan

    Gently simmer for 35-40 minutes stirring often (until the rice has swelled) to avoid the rice sticking to the bottom of the pan. Add the sugar, cream, and vanilla to the milk and then cook it for another 35 to 45 minutes, until the rice is soft and the pudding has thickened.

    gently simmer un til the rice is cooked

    At that stage, if you want to create caramelized skin on your rice pudding, divide it into oven-safe ramekins. Preheat your oven grill to 200 °C (390 °F).

    Sutlac is divided into 3 ramekins

    Place the ramekins on a tray and place them under the grill for 10 minutes, until the top of the pudding is nicely caramelized. This will help to create a deliciously caramelized taste. Check constantly to make sure they don't burn. 

    rice puddings are browned under the grill

    Alternatively, you can serve your rice pudding chilled. Simply divide them into individual serving bowls and let them cool down to room temperature. Sprinkle on some ground cinnamon or chopped nuts before serving.

    sutlac is served in 3 individual bowls and garnished with nuts and cinnamon.

    Top Tips From the Chef

    • Don't leave the rice pudding on the stove and let it cook on its own. Stir the rice frequently starting from the first minutes you add it until the rice has swelled. After that stage, you can decrease the frequency of the stirring.
    • Every rice has different cooking times. Take the timings in this recipe as a guide and make sure you cook your rice until it is completely soft.
    • Adjust the amount of the milk and sugar to your taste, and add extra milk for a thinner consistency.
    • Use broken rice if you are short of time as it releases its starch quicker and cooks much faster.

    Serving Suggestions

    You can serve this delicious and light Sutlac dessert at the end of a meal or you can have it as a snack when feeling peckish. This rice pudding is delicious whether you serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled!

    Don't forget to sprinkle on some nuts or cinnamon before serving for extra flavor.

    Recipe FAQs

    What rice to use for Rice Pudding?

    The best rice for making this creamy pudding is short-grain rice such as Baldo, Osmancik, Tosya, Arborio, or sushi rice. Short-grain rice is usually very starchy and cooks up tender and soft. 

    Can I use cooked rice for Sutlac?

    You can make this pudding with unseasoned cooked rice. However, you will have to add some starch to achieve a rich and creamy texture.

    Can I freeze Sutlac (Turkish Rice Pudding)?

    You can freeze this milk-based pudding but the texture won't be the same when thawed.
    Sutlac is best when eaten freshly made. You can keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

    Related Recipes

    For more delicious Turkish desserts why not try:

    • muhalabiah served in a glass bowl and garnished with a wild strawberry, mint leaves and ground pistachio
      Muhallebi - Mahalabia Dessert
    • kazandibi dessert
      Kazandibi
    • Revani - Turkish Semolina Cake
    • Turkish Irmik Helva
      Irmik Helvasi (Turkish Semolina Halva)

    Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

    I hope you enjoy the process of making this light and creamy Turkish rice pudding "Sutlac" as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂 

    Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!

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    Sutlac (Turkish Rice Pudding)

    Ayla Clulee
    Sutlac (Turkish version of classic Rice Pudding) is a thick and creamy milk-based dessert that has a very special place in Turkish cuisine.
    5 from 15 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Turkish
    Servings 6 portion
    Calories 360 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 kitchen scale
    • 1 measuring spoons
    • 1 Saucepan
    • 1 Rubber spatula

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 ¼ l milk
    • 120 g short-grain rice (such as baldo, osmancik, tosya or arborio)
    • 120 g sugar
    • 150 ml double cream or heavy cream
    • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or extract
    • ground cinnamon or chopped nuts (to garnish)

    Instructions
     

    • Measure the rice and place it along with the milk in a large pot on low heat. Don't be tempted to wash it as we need the starch from the rice to thicken our pudding!
    • Gently simmer for 35-40 minutes stirring often (until the rice has swelled) to avoid the rice sticking to the bottom of the pan.
    • Add the sugar, cream, and vanilla to the milk and then cook it for another 35 to 45 minutes, until the rice is really soft and the pudding has thickened.
    • At that stage, if you want to create caramelized skin on your rice pudding, divide it into oven-safe ramekins.
    • Preheat your oven grill to 200° C (390° F).
    • Place the ramekins on a tray and place them under the grill for 10 minutes, until the top of the pudding is nicely caramelized. This will help to create a deliciously caramelized taste. Check constantly to make sure they don't burn. 
    • Alternatively, you can serve your rice pudding chilled. Simply divide them into individual serving bowls and let them cool down to room temperature.
    • Sprinkle on some ground cinnamon or chopped nuts before serving.

    Notes

    • Stir the rice frequently starting from the first minutes you add it until the rice has swelled.
    • You don't need to add starch or eggs to achieve a rich&creamy texture with my simple Sutlac recipe!
    • Every rice has different cooking times. Take the timings in this recipe as a guide and make sure you cook your rice until it is completely soft.
    • Adjust the amount of the milk and sugar to your taste, and add extra milk for a thinner consistency.
    • Use broken rice if you are short of time as it releases its starch quicker and cooks much faster.
    • The secret to a truly delicious sutlac is using fresh, unpasteurized milk as it was done in the old days. 
    • Don't be tempted to wash the rice as we need the starch from it to thicken our pudding!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 9gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 348mgFiber: 1gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 705IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 258mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cookingorgeous or tag #cookingorgeous!

    This post uses affiliate links. This means that if you click on them and then buy something, we get a small amount of commission to keep the site running, but it doesn’t cost you anything more.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jenna

      February 25, 2022 at 4:02 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic recipe, I prefer chilled with some homemade strawberry jam on it. Everyone loved it!

      Reply
    2. Felicity

      March 05, 2022 at 1:52 pm

      5 stars
      My favourite pudding! It is on my list to do for the weekend. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
    3. Earle Goodwin

      April 05, 2022 at 11:24 pm

      5 stars
      Well, I used "pudding rice" or short grain..rice and I washed the rice until the water was relatively clear (rice is chemically sprayed to protect from bugs that can destroy a farmer's crop.
      This I did until water was relatively clear. 1 cup rice to 3cups filtered water. Bring to boil, put lid on pot and slowly simmer for about 25
      minutes water is absorbed...add 1/2 cup sugar and 3 cups whole milk. Bring to almost a boil, stir gently for thickness is starting add 1 cup heavy cream and continue stirring
      Until you sense the pudding is thick enough. Add pinch of salt and 3 Tbl. Rose water...stir until you see the thick pudding has thickened sufficiently. With ladle transfer
      pudding to heat proof Pyrex cups. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent a
      skin to form ..

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        April 06, 2022 at 4:23 am

        This recipe is so simple and it is exactly how my mom used to make it. And yes very similar to your recipe.
        Adding rose water is a very good idea! I definitely will give it a go next time.

        Reply
    4. Earle's kitchen

      April 05, 2022 at 11:34 pm

      5 stars
      Your recipe is similar to mine. But, for novice cooks less is more. This pudding as you said is the traditional desert of Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries. I have seen other techniques but too complicated and not. Middle Eastern..I sometimes think the word "creamy" misses the definition of creamy and becomes lumpy bits of rice and some kind of egg mixture...oh well...cheers !!

      Reply
    5. Andrea

      April 18, 2022 at 5:27 pm

      5 stars
      I have made this 4 times now in the past week! I follow the recipe exactly as it’s written and it turns out perfect every time. This is a new favourite in my family & I can’t thank you enough!

      Reply
    6. Christine

      April 20, 2022 at 5:09 pm

      5 stars
      First time I have made rice pudding and everyone loves it. Thank you!

      Reply
    7. Melissa

      April 24, 2022 at 11:56 am

      5 stars
      I’ve made this several times for my husband, who is a big rice pudding fan, and he loves it every time! Thank you!

      Reply
    8. Sara

      April 28, 2022 at 6:03 pm

      5 stars
      This is an incredibly easy recipe to follow. I love rice pudding so I had to follow this one. Turned out very well.

      Reply
    9. Roberta

      May 05, 2022 at 8:20 am

      5 stars
      This is by far the BEST rice pudding recipe I’ve ever made. It's thick and creamy and just absolutely gorgeous. Not to mention very easy to put together. Highly recommend this to everyone.

      Reply
    10. Ingrid

      May 19, 2022 at 5:21 am

      5 stars
      So easy to make and was delicious! I used just milk, as I didn’t have any cream. So yum!

      Reply
    11. Ericka

      June 03, 2022 at 12:55 pm

      5 stars
      This is absolutely delicious! All my guests loved this wonderful pudding. Looks and tastes gorgeous.

      Reply
      • Mia

        July 14, 2022 at 10:59 pm

        5 stars
        How much milk in USA measurement?

        Reply
        • Ayla Clulee

          July 15, 2022 at 4:07 am

          Hi Mia
          You can convert to USA measurements with the "US Customary" button on the recipe card. 1.25 liter is equal to 0.33 gallons or 5.28 cups of milk.
          Hope that helps.
          Best wishes
          Ayla

          Reply
    12. Glenda Bas

      October 18, 2022 at 3:31 pm

      5 stars
      Brilliant website for Turkish recipes.

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        October 18, 2022 at 3:41 pm

        Dear Glenda
        Thank you for your lovely comment, I am glad you enjoy our recipes!
        Best wishes
        Ayla x

        Reply
    5 from 15 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome to Cooking Gorgeous, where delicious easy-to-follow recipes and culinary inspiration await you! My name is Ayla Clulee, a passionate and professional Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and food content creator with decades of experience. I am based in the UK, and I'm thrilled to have you here.

    The kitchen is my happy place and cooking is my therapy.

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