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South African Sweet Rice

Make authentic South African Sweet Rice with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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By DenisiyaPublished on October 21, 2020
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South African Sweet Rice
⏱️
Prep Time15 mins
🍳
Cook Time90 mins
⌛
Total Time105 mins
🍽️
ServingsServes 4-6
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This Indian Dessert Recipe Serves 2-4

South African Sweet Rice is a heavenly Indian Rice pudding synonymous with prayers of the Indian culture which you will most likely find within South Africa.

Growing up & being a part of the Hindu background, my gran used to prepare sweet rice ever so often when there was a prayer. Some of the prayers included Porridge Prayers, Fasting Prayers, Lakshmi Prayers & ‘Dead Peoples Prayers’.

Sweet Rice is usually cooked with a rice known as White Rice in South Africa. In the event that you are abroad then reasonable substitutes incorporate Pudding Rice or Milk Rice. You can discover these in the grain area or pastry segment of most universal general stores.

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Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Serves 4-6
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Step-by-Step Instructions

24 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Firstly, for this recipe it is crucial to use white rice/pudding rice or milk rice & not parboiled or basmati rice as it will not turn out the same. I purchased white rice at a local spice shop.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    If you are unable to find white rice, you may substitute it with Arborio Rice (Risotto).

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Place the white rice in a medium sized bowl.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Give the rice a couple of rinses under running water.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Thereafter, cover the rice with water, cover the bowl with a lid & allow the rice to soak. The traditional way is to allow the rice to soak overnight as this will shorten the cook time. If you are in a hurry & simply do not want to soak it overnight, then allow it to soak for 15-30 minutes & continue with the cooking process – it may just take longer to get cooked.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Once the rice has soaked, drain the water & empty the rice into a medium sized pot.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    On medium heat, add in  2 cups of water.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Add in the cinnamon sticks & cardamom (elachi) pods.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Next, grate in nutmeg – this is optional but adds loads of flavour.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Thereafter, add in salt & the cardamom (elachi) powder.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Give it a stir & allow the rice to come to a boil. This takes a lot of patience as water is added in additions rather than a whole lot – similar to preparing risotto.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    When you notice the water evaporates, add in 1 cup of water.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Continue adding a cup of water every time the liquid dries out. The first lot was 2 cups & thereafter it’s a cup at a time. After 3 cups, the rice should be soft & overcooked (± 30 minutes if soaked overnight).

  14. Step 14

    Once the rice is soft, add in the butter.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Thereafter add in the white sugar.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Pour in the milk & condensed milk.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Gently mix, combining all the ingredients.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Turn the heat down to low.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Cover with a lid & allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes until it isn’t so watery.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    After 10-15 minutes, the South African Sweet Rice is all done.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    If it’s still a bit watery, it will absorb the liquid once cooled.

  22. Step 22

    Plate & serve hot.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Sultanas, raisins, bananas &/or almonds may be added at this point but unfortunately I am not a fan of those added ingredients in the sweet rice as I prefer it as is.

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    Serve this South African Sweet Rice with braised brown chickpeas which is also known to many in South Africa as Kadle/Kadale or Kovil Sundal in India. Additionally it can be served with puri as well.

    Step 24 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best South African Sweet Rice

How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy in South African Sweet Rice?

Always par-boil your basmati rice with whole spices until it is only about 70% cooked (firm with a slight bite). The rice finishes steaming to fluffy perfection during the layered dum (steaming) stage.

Can I marinate the meat the day before?

Yes, marinating the meat overnight in yogurt, ginger, garlic, and spices tenderizes the meat and allows the deep aromatic flavors to permeate fully before cooking.

What are the best side dishes to serve with South African Sweet Rice?

Traditionally, serve this with fresh sour milk salad (raita), a side of homemade yellow dhal, and a spicy vegetable or mango pickle.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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Comments & Community

2

Have you tried this recipe or have questions for Denisiya? Join the conversation below.

R
Roja

Hi
I am looking for the recipe for a milk like drink with moong beans, almonds , vermicelli. I think this is served after a Porridge Prayer has been done.

Thanks

D
DenisiyaRecipe Creator

Hi Roja, I am working on that recipe & will hopefully get it uploaded in due time.

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