I have always loved Lebanese rice pudding, also known as riz bi haleeb, since I was a kid. I have taken the recipe my mother used to make for my siblings and I and made it healthier. I now enjoy a vegan and naturally sweetened version of it. In the article below, I explain how to make the original version as well.

What is Lebanese Rice Pudding?
Also known as riz bi haleeb in Arabic, which translates to rice in milk. Riz bi haleeb is pronounced as riz bee haยทleeb.
There are various versions of this riz bi haleeb found across the Middle East, which are influenced by the country and region.
Lebanese rice pudding is a simple dessert to make and is typically enjoyed cold. It requires only 7 ingredients, with the main flavor being with floral.
When I was a child, I used to relish this creamy dessert by licking the pot clean after my mom finished making the rice pudding. She would portion it out into individual cups and then allow us kids to scrape the leftover pudding in the pot, which she intentionally caramelized for us.
She would also do the same with this other silky milk pudding called muhallabia or even haytaliyeh.
About The Ingredients
The complete list of ingredients with measurements, can be found in the full recipe card below.
Originally this dessert was made using full-fat milk, now I always use unsweetened almond milk as the base for this Lebanese rice pudding recipe. It keeps the pudding dairy-free (vegan) while giving it a rich, creamy texture.
You can substitute it with any plant-based milk of your preference, but remember that the milk's color might influence the puddingโs final appearance. Certain dairy-free milks arenโt pure white, which could result in the pudding having a slightly off-white shade. This also relates to this creamy milky drink is called sahlab which is a popular Middle Eastern sweetened milk drink.
When it comes to the rice, I usually go with medium-grain white rice for its perfect balance of chewiness and creaminess. However, short-grain rice works equally well if you prefer a slightly stickier texture.
For sweetness, I opt for healthier alternatives such as maple syrup or rice malt syrup instead of traditional white sugar which you can use in the same quantity listed in the below recipe card.
To achieve the signature flavor of this Lebanese rice pudding, I add a splash of orange blossom water or rose water, or sometimes both for a more fragrant, floral touch. These ingredients are readily available at Middle Eastern grocery stores or can be ordered online. Personally, I prefer using the Cortas brand, a staple in my family.
I use a corn starch (also known as corn flour in some regions) slurry to thicken the pudding. If you desire a thicker consistency, simply add a little extra starch. Itโs crucial to use filtered water to parboil the rice and dissolve the starch; this helps maintain the puddingโs smooth, luxurious texture.
Variations
While rose and orange blossom water contribute to the authentic Lebanese flavor, you can substitute them with vanilla extract for a more subtle taste.
I was asked on social media if potato starch can be used as an alternative to corn starch; it is a decent alternative, but it did cause the pudding to separate after refrigeration, so itโs best eaten fresh!
If you like spices, I urge you to try this meghli recipe, it's a different type of rice pudding.
Janelle's Tips
Sometimes I have leftover plain rice (without any additions) that I need to use. It works well with this pudding; I just skip the parboiling of the rice in this recipe.
Storage
Allow the Lebanese rice pudding to cool down completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container (or individual portions) and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Once refrigerated, it will set to the shape of the container.
Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a โ โ โ โ โ star rating or tagย @plantbasedfolkย on social media.
Recipe
Lebanese Rice Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 litre Milk dairy free milk or traditional (see my preference in above article)
- ยฝ cup White rice medium grain
- ยพ cup Maple Syrup or rice malt syrup or sugar
- 2 tablespoon Orange blossom water sub rose water
- 2 tablespoon Corn starch
- 1ยผ cups Water
Instructions
- Combine ยผ cup water and cornstarch and set aside. In a pot over medium-high heat, add rice and 1 cup of water. Cook rice until par boiled, approximately 6 minutes.2 tablespoon Corn starch, 1ยผ cups Water, ยฝ cup White rice
- Stir through the milk and maple syrup into the parboiled rice and bring to a soft boil.1 litre Milk, ยพ cup Maple Syrup
- Once boiling, turn the down to medium-low and add corn starch slurry and orange blossom water. Simmer for 15 minutes. Stirring slowly and continuously until the liquid has thickened.2 tablespoon Orange blossom water
- Pour into individual portions and allow to cool at room temperature. Transfer to the fridge to chill. Serve cold, seeing garnish toppings in notes.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
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Shani
Hello,
Your recipes look wonderful, and I would like to try this pudding. Could you clarify, please, about the rice? After it's parboiled, should it stay in the cooking water, or strained out? And when is the best time to add it to to the thickened milk?
thank you!
Janelle Hama
Hi Shani,
It remains in its water, which would have started to absorb into the rice. Then you add the other ingredients on top. I'll make the instructions in the recipe card clearer. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
J
salmac
hii! do you skip rinsing your rice with this recipe?
Janelle Hama
yes, you want the starches
Robyn
My family will LOVE this rice pudding! It's so pretty topped with the chopped pistachios too!
Rachi
Rice pudding has to be my go to dessert. Love this
plantbasedfolk
Thank you Rachi - it's a crowd pleaser ๐
Gavin Sutherland
I'm old skool when it comes to desserts so this is right up my alley. Brulee, Bread Pudding & Rice Pudding are my top 3. I love the orange blossom idea and that colour of the pistachio - can't wait to give it a go!
plantbasedfolk
Thank Gavin. Old school is so cool!
Sarah
Sounds delicious! I have some orange blossom water I've been wondering what to cook with, now I lnow! This would be great for a dinner party as you could make individual portions ahead of time ๐
plantbasedfolk
Hey Sarah,
It's perfect for a dinner party. Everyone will polish off their own portion of rice pudding.
Enjoy
J x
Sylvie
I love a good rice pudding and this one looks so easy and delicious! I love the addition of orange blossom water, it must bring really add an incredible flavour to the dessert!
plantbasedfolk
It's very fragrant because of the orange blossom. Thank you Sylvie ๐