Turkish Baked Rice Pudding - Fırın Sütlaç Recipe You Can't Resist!

Ingredients:
• ½ cup rice (100 g)
• 2 cups water (400 ml)
• 4 cups milk (1 liter)
• 3 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 cup sugar (200 g)
• 3 tbsp cornstarch (40 g)
• ½ cup milk or water for cornstarch mixture (100 ml)
Instructions:
• Cook the Rice:
• Rinse the rice thoroughly and place it in a pot with 2 cups of water.
• Cook over medium heat until the rice is soft and most of the water is absorbed. There should be a little liquid left at the bottom to prevent sticking.
• Prepare the Pudding:
• Pour the milk into the cooked rice and add the vanilla extract if using.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
• Thicken the Pudding:
• In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with ½ cup of milk or water until smooth and lump-free.
• Once the rice and milk mixture starts to boil, add the sugar and stir well.
• Slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring constantly.
• Let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes until the pudding thickens, then remove from heat.
• Bake the Pudding:
• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Ladle the pudding into oven-safe ramekins.
• Place the ramekins in a deep baking tray and fill the tray with cold water, ensuring the water reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
• Put the tray on the top rack of the oven and bake until the tops turn golden brown, about 15–20 minutes.
• Serve:
• Let the puddings cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours before serving. Enjoy your creamy, caramelized Turkish Fırın Sütlaç!