Ground-Rice Pudding (Mehallabia)

Directions

1. 1
   In a small bowl, soak raisins in hot water. In a blender, process rice 5 minutes on high.
2. 2
   In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, ground rice and cornstarch. Stirring constantly over medium heat, gradually add milk; continue stirring until slightly thickened. Simmer 15 minutes.
3. 3
   Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter a 9-inch baking dish; set aside.
4. 4
   Drain and dry raisins. Stir soaked raisins, vanilla, and pistachios into pudding. Pour into buttered dish.
5. 5
   Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until a brown crust forms. Stir crust into pudding; set aside to cool.
6. 6
   Sprinkle pudding with rose water or ground cinnamon. Serve warm with half and half or, refrigerate 3 to 4 hours before serving.