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South African Sweet Rice

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

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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

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.

South African Sweet Rice Ingredients:

  • 250 grams white rice
  • 300 ml milk
  • 1 cup white sugar (according to taste)
  • pinch of salt
  • nutmeg, grated – optional
  • 3 cardamom (elachi) pods
  • 100 grams butter
  • 2 tablespoons condensed milk – optional
  • ½ teaspoon cardamom (elachi) powder – optional
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 cups water
🥗

Ingredients

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

  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 illustration

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

    Step 2 illustration

  3. Place the white rice in a medium sized bowl.

    Step 3 illustration

  4. Give the rice a couple of rinses under running water.

    Step 4 illustration

  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 illustration

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

    Step 6 illustration

  7. On medium heat, add in  2 cups of water.

    Step 7 illustration

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

    Step 8 illustration

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

    Step 9 illustration

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

    Step 10 illustration

  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 illustration

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

    Step 12 illustration

  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. Once the rice is soft, add in the butter.

    Step 14 illustration

  15. Thereafter add in the white sugar.

    Step 15 illustration

  16. Pour in the milk & condensed milk.

    Step 16 illustration

  17. Gently mix, combining all the ingredients.

    Step 17 illustration

  18. Turn the heat down to low.

    Step 18 illustration

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

    Step 19 illustration

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

    Step 20 illustration

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

  22. Plate & serve hot.

    Step 22 illustration

  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 illustration

  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 illustration
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for South African Sweet Rice.

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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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