DOLCE DI RISO | SWEET RICE CAKE
Ingredients:
Serves 8
1 quart (4 cups) whole milk
300 grams (1 2/3 cups) uncooked short-grain white rice
150 grams (3/4 cup) sugar, plus more for sprinkling
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
100 grams (7 tablespoons) of butter, plus more for the pan
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Freshly grated zest of 1 lemon
100 grams (3/4 cup) raisins, soaked in water or rum for softness
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F. Butter an 8x8 baking dish (or similar) on the bottom and sides.
In a medium/large pot, bring the milk to a boil. Add the rice, sugar, and vanilla and cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the milk has been absorbed, about 20-25 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter, and then let cool.
Once the mixture is at room temperature, add the eggs, lemon zest, and raisins (drained), and stir until incorporated. Pour the rice mixture into the baking dish and use a rubber spatula to spread it into an even layer.
Bake for 40 minutes until set and the rice is fully cooked. Sprinkle the top with sugar while you heat the broiler, and then broil on low for 5 minutes, or until it is nicely browned with a sugary crust.
Photo credit: Vaneshia Reed