Making Greek Rice Pudding - Risogolo

[blopez34]

I’m not Greek, but I grew up eating something very similar to rizogalo in my own culture—and we always made it using day-old rice. A friend of mine mentioned that her Greek yiayia did the same when making rice pudding, and it got me wondering: is that a common technique in Greek households?

Do a lot of you use leftover rice, or do you cook it fresh specifically for the pudding? I’ve seen recipes where you boil the rice in water first, and others where it goes straight into milk. Should I steam the rice first or just let it simmer in the milk until it softens? I’d love to hear how you all make it at home.

Also, do you flavor yours with anything? I’ve seen versions with lemon peel, cinnamon, or even vanilla. I’m excited to try making it the Greek way and appreciate any tips you’re willing to share!

 

[Rízes Hellenic Genealogy]

I’m not Greek, but I grew up eating something very similar to rizogalo in my own culture—and we always made it using day-old rice. A friend of mine mentioned that her Greek yiayia did the same when making rice pudding, and it got me wondering: is that a common technique in Greek households?

Do a lot of you use leftover rice, or do you cook it fresh specifically for the pudding? I’ve seen recipes where you boil the rice in water first, and others where it goes straight into milk. Should I steam the rice first or just let it simmer in the milk until it softens? I’d love to hear how you all make it at home.

Also, do you flavor yours with anything? I’ve seen versions with lemon peel, cinnamon, or even vanilla. I’m excited to try making it the Greek way and appreciate any tips you’re willing to share!

Rizogolo... I'm cracking up here! Okay, anyway...

Rizogalo Basics:​

Rice:

• Leftover (day-old) rice: Perfectly acceptable and often used when there's plain white rice in the fridge.
• Fresh rice: Also totally fine. Most traditional recipes use short grain rice (like Arborio or Karolina) cooked until soft and starchy.
• Raw rice simmered in milk: Some go straight into milk without parboiling, but this requires more time and constant stirring.

Tip: If you use leftover rice, simmer it in milk longer so it breaks down and becomes creamy.

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Milk Ratio and Texture:​

• Most Greek households simmer the rice in whole milk, often with a bit of sugar added once the rice is soft.
• A touch of cornstarch slurry (or flour in older recipes) is sometimes added at the end to thicken it — especially if using cooked rice.
• The final texture should be creamy, but not too thick — it will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

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Flavorings:​

• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon on top is a must for many Greeks.
• Lemon peel: Often simmered with the milk and removed before serving.
• Vanilla: Less traditional but becoming more common.
• Orange peel: A variation in some island regions.
• Mastiha (mastic gum): Rare but found in some regional recipes.

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Serving Style:​

• Traditionally served cold, in small bowls, with a dusting of cinnamon.
• But some like it warm, especially when freshly made.

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Quick Method Using Leftover Rice:​

1. Combine 2 cups milk with 1 to 1.5 cups of cooked white rice in a saucepan.
2. Add 1–2 tbsp sugar, a strip of lemon peel, and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Stir often for 15–20 minutes, until creamy.
4. Optional: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) for extra thickness.
5. Remove lemon peel, add vanilla if desired, pour into bowls.
6. Chill, then sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.

 

[Voula]

I’m not Greek, but I grew up eating something very similar to rizogalo in my own culture—and we always made it using day-old rice. A friend of mine mentioned that her Greek yiayia did the same when making rice pudding, and it got me wondering: is that a common technique in Greek households?

Do a lot of you use leftover rice, or do you cook it fresh specifically for the pudding? I’ve seen recipes where you boil the rice in water first, and others where it goes straight into milk. Should I steam the rice first or just let it simmer in the milk until it softens? I’d love to hear how you all make it at home.

Also, do you flavor yours with anything? I’ve seen versions with lemon peel, cinnamon, or even vanilla. I’m excited to try making it the Greek way and appreciate any tips you’re willing to share!

Hi! Here's my own traditional recipe that's been in my family for generations. You'll find lots of tips in the post, too. Let me know what you think!

 

[k_tsoukalas]

These are all some great recipes! Thank you for sharing them. Both are very similar to what I do.