Name: Lebanese Rice Pudding (Riz Bi Haleeb) with Rose Water, Orange Blossom, and Nut Toppings Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: ½ cup medium grain rice; ¼ cup water; 4 cups whole milk; ¾ cup heavy cream; ½ cup sugar; ¼ teaspoon mastic, ground; 1 pinch kosher salt; 1 tablespoon rose water; 1 tablespoon orange blossom water; Crushed pistachios; Dried rose petals (optional)

If you’ve been dreaming of a dessert that feels like a gentle hug in every bite, you are going to adore this Lebanese Rice Pudding (Riz Bi Haleeb) with Rose Water, Orange Blossom, and Nut Toppings Recipe. It’s a beautifully creamy, subtly floral pudding that’s easy to make and perfect for cooling down on a warm day. Passed down through generations, this recipe captures the heart of Lebanese home cooking with the fragrant touch of rose water and orange blossom combined with the satisfying crunch of pistachios. Whether you’re indulging in it as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast, this dish promises comfort and a little touch of magic on your spoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of various ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. There are two clear glass bottles with colorful labels, one with a red cap labeled rose water and the other with a blue cap labeled orange blossom water. A large clear glass measuring cup filled with white milk sits on the right side, and below it is a smaller clear glass measuring cup filled with cream. In the center, a copper measuring cup holds white rice. Below and a little to the left, a small dark wooden bowl contains white granulated sugar. Next to the sugar bowl, a small dark wooden plate holds a few scattered seeds. Everything is arranged neatly, creating a clean, organized look photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating this exquisite pudding might seem like a decadent treat, but the ingredients are surprisingly simple and accessible. Each one plays a starring role, from the creamy whole milk that forms the rich base, to the unique mastic that adds an enchanting aroma. The rose water and orange blossom bring a delicate floral finish, and the pistachios provide a lively texture contrast.

Medium grain rice: Retains the perfect balance of starch and texture for creamy pudding without becoming mushy.
Water: Helps soften the rice initially before adding the richness of the milk.
Whole milk: Gives the pudding that silky, luscious body essential to classic riz bi haleeb.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and indulgence, elevating the flavor and creaminess.
Sugar: Sweetens just enough to balance the floral notes and creaminess perfectly.
Mastic, ground: A little goes a long way in enhancing the authentic Lebanese flavor with its distinctive piney, resinous note.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors in the pudding.
Rose water: Brings a soft, aromatic floral note that is signature to Middle Eastern desserts.
Orange blossom water: Adds a fragrant, citrusy undertone that complements the rose water beautifully.
Crushed pistachios: For garnish and a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy pudding.
Dried rose petals (optional): An elegant, fragrant way to finish the dish and impress guests.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Lebanese Rice Pudding (Riz Bi Haleeb) with Rose Water, Orange Blossom, and Nut Toppings Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Rice

Rinse your medium grain rice once gently to remove any dust but keep as much of its natural starch as possible. This starch is the secret to making the pudding wonderfully thick without the need for cornstarch or thickeners. Combine the rinsed rice, water, whole milk, and heavy cream in a large saucepan, and bring it over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the mix heats up, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the pan, and wait for it to just come to a boil.

Step 2: Simmering to Creamy Perfection

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to let the pudding gently simmer. Continue to stir every few minutes. This slow cooking process helps the rice absorb all that creamy milk, transforming each grain into a soft, fluffy bite. You’ll notice the pudding thickening and the rice expanding as if almost puffing up. This takes about 15 minutes, during which the texture becomes beautifully tender and mashable between your fingers or with a spoon.

Step 3: Sweetening and Thickening

Add the sugar once the rice feels plump and soft. Keep stirring for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve and the pudding to thicken gradually and evenly. A helpful trick to test readiness is to spoon a bit onto a chilled plate and tilt it. If the pudding flows slowly then stops, you’re right on target. If it keeps running, give it more time to thicken gently on the stove.

Step 4: Infusing the Signature Flavors

Turn off the heat and stir in the ground mastic, rose water, and orange blossom water. These fragrant additions are essential in making this a true Lebanese rice pudding experience. If you have whole mastic, grind it finely with a pinch of salt first to avoid any bitter chunks in your pudding. The floral notes will perfume your kitchen and elevate the dish to a sensory delight.

How to Serve Lebanese Rice Pudding (Riz Bi Haleeb) with Rose Water, Orange Blossom, and Nut Toppings Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side views of a stainless steel pot with a creamy white mixture inside. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. In the left part, the smooth mixture fills the pot evenly with a slightly thick and lumpy texture visible. On the right side, a wooden spoon lifts some of the thick creamy mixture, showing its soft, slightly chunky texture. The pot's shiny metal surface reflects light softly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For the finishing touches, sprinkle crushed pistachios generously over each serving. The subtle nutty crunch perfectly balances the smoothness of the pudding. If you want to impress your guests or elevate your own experience, add a sprinkle of dried rose petals. They are not only beautiful but also boost the floral fragrance, tying the whole dish together elegantly.

Side Dishes

While Lebanese rice pudding shines beautifully on its own, pairing it with fresh fruit or a small cup of mint tea can create a lovely complementary experience. The freshness of the tea or the slight tartness and juiciness of seasonal fruit balances the richness and creaminess of the pudding perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Lebanese rice pudding in individual glass jars or delicate ceramic ramekins to make each portion feel special. Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of edible gold dust for celebrations. Layering with a thin wafer cookie or pairing with coconut flakes can add exciting textures that surprise and delight your taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lebanese rice pudding keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to one week when covered tightly. This makes it a convenient dessert for prepping in advance or enjoying throughout the week as a comforting snack or breakfast treat.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this rice pudding, as the creamy texture might change unfavorably once thawed. The delicate floral flavors can also mellow out. It’s best enjoyed fresh, chilled in the refrigerator.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir often and heat slowly to avoid scorching. The pudding can also be eaten chilled straight from the fridge if you prefer a refreshing cool dessert.

FAQs

What type of rice is best for rice pudding?

Medium grain rice is ideal for this pudding since it provides a creamy texture without turning mushy. Short grain rice is starchier and can become overly soft, while long grain rice stays firmer and less creamy.

Should I wash my rice when making rice pudding?

Yes, rinse the rice just once to clean off any impurities, but don’t overwash it. Keeping the natural starch helps the pudding thicken to that luscious consistency.

Why is my rice pudding too runny or too thick?

Runny pudding means it needs more cooking time to thicken. Thick pudding may have cooked too long or cooled down—since it thickens as it cools, aim for a pourable but not watery consistency when cooking.

Can I make rice pudding with cooked rice?

Yes, it’s possible but the texture will differ. Use cooked rice and add enough milk and cream to cover it, then cook and stir until the desired consistency is reached.

How long will rice pudding keep?

You can store the pudding covered in the fridge for up to one week, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.

Final Thoughts

Jump in and try the Lebanese Rice Pudding (Riz Bi Haleeb) with Rose Water, Orange Blossom, and Nut Toppings Recipe today—it’s one of those rare desserts that feels like a warm, fragrant embrace anytime you need it. Whether you serve it to family, friends, or indulge solo, each spoonful connects you to a rich tradition of flavor and love from Lebanon’s kitchen. I promise you’ll find yourself coming back for more, and maybe even passing this treasured recipe down your own way.

Lebanese Rice Pudding (Riz Bi Haleeb) with Rose Water, Orange Blossom, and Nut Toppings Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need