Egyptian gastronomy is very rich and varied, and ruz bil laban is the best example of this. It is often called “the rice pudding” of Egypt or rice pudding, as a quick and simple summary of this dessert. But it has interesting nuances that are worth knowing. In this post, we tell you what the keys to the recipe are and other details that will surely awaken your desire to try it during your trip to Egypt.
Origin and Diffusion
Like so many other dishes and sweets of Egyptian gastronomy (kanafeh, baklava), ruz bil laban is also present in other countries in the region, such as Lebanon and the rest of the Mediterranean Levant. In fact, the area of Egypt where this dessert is most rooted is precisely the Nile Delta, in the north of the country.
Some want to see its origin in the time of the pharaohs, although it is difficult to support this theory, as it is believed that rice was not introduced in this country before the 4th century BC, imported from Persia, where it arrived from China, its first cultivators. On the other hand, there is more information about the use of milk in the diet of Ancient Egypt.
Ruz Bil Laban: Rice… And Milk?
The milk of ruz bil laban is precisely a point worth dwelling on, as very different milks can be used for its preparation. Of course, a ‘normal’ milk, from
In any case, it is a very popular dessert among vegetarians, which shows that other milks of vegetable origin can be used for its preparation, such as oat milk or coconut milk.
Recipe and Preparation
In addition to milk, which can be of animal, vegetable or sour leben origin, this dessert includes other ingredients. Of course, rice, which can be long, round or even basmati, according to everyone’s taste.
Other ingredients, in variable measures depending on the touch that is sought, are sugar, cinnamon (powdered or in stick) and cardamom, as well as pieces of nuts, which are usually chopped almonds or chopped pistachios, or other softer ones such as raisins or dates.
To cook it, it is necessary to soak the rice for about half an hour. After that, the milk is boiled and the drained rice is added, to be cooked for another 30 minutes until the grains are soft, progressively adding the sugar and spices. To make it more creamy, you can add a cup of water. After removing from the heat and letting it cool, the pieces of nuts are added at the end. They can be added in the container to be consumed, as a decoration on the top, thus giving the dessert a crunchy point.
When to Eat Ruz Bil Laban
Ruz bil laban is a dessert that is eaten with a spoon and on a plate, so it is usually an ideal dessert to finish a meal. In fact, it is especially popular on great occasions, such as wedding banquets or other family celebrations.
In addition, it can be taken at any time of the year, since it can be served at any temperature. For example, it can be taken hot or warm, freshly made. But in hot weather, it can be cooled in the refrigerator, to get a fresher taste. It all depends on the preferences of each person.
