Sütlaç

🍚Traditional Sütlaç Recipe from North Cyprus – Creamy Rice Pudding with a Mediterranean Touch

Meta Description: Discover how to make authentic North Cypriot Sütlaç, a creamy rice pudding enjoyed across the island. Learn the traditional recipe, ingredients, and tips for perfecting this delicious Cypriot dessert.
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🥣 What is Sütlaç?

Sütlaç (pronounced soot-lach) is one of North Cyprus’s most beloved traditional desserts. This creamy rice pudding, made with milk, rice, and sugar, offers a comforting and nostalgic taste of Cypriot home cooking. Influenced by both Turkish and Mediterranean cuisines, Sütlaç is often enjoyed after family meals, during religious festivals, or simply as a sweet treat on a warm evening.
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🏝️ The North Cypriot Twist

While Sütlaç is enjoyed across Turkey and Greece, the North Cypriot version is known for its subtle texture and natural sweetness. Locals prefer using fresh local milk, short-grain rice, and often a touch of rose water or lemon zest for a refreshing island aroma. Some versions are baked to achieve a caramelised top (fırın sütlaç), while others are served chilled and silky smooth.
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🍚 Ingredients for North Cypriot Sütlaç

• Serves: 4–6
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:
• 1 litre of full-fat milk
• ½ cup short-grain rice (such as pudding rice or arborio)
• 1 cup water
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornflour (optional, for thicker consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or a small piece of lemon peel
• A few drops of rose water (optional)
• Ground cinnamon for garnish
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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🚿Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly. In a saucepan, combine rice and water. Cook over medium heat until the rice softens and most of the water is absorbed (about 15 minutes).

🥛Add the Milk: Pour in the milk and stir well. Continue to simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow it to cook until the rice becomes tender and the mixture thickens.

◽Sweeten the Pudding: Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Taste for sweetness and adjust if needed.

🌽Optional Thickener: If you prefer a thicker texture, dissolve cornflour in a small amount of cold milk and slowly stir it into the mixture. Continue cooking until it thickens slightly.

🍋Add Aroma: Stir in vanilla extract, lemon peel, or rose water for that signature Cypriot aroma.

🍽️Serve: Pour the Sütlaç into small bowls or clay ramekins. Let it cool before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.

🪵Garnish: Sprinkle with cinnamon or crushed pistachios just before serving.
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🌸 Tips for Perfect Sütlaç

• Use full-fat milk for a creamier texture.
• Stir continuously during the final simmer to prevent burning.
• For baked Sütlaç, place the bowls in a water-filled tray and bake at 200°C until the tops turn golden brown.
• A few drops of rose water give it a unique North Cypriot flair.
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🧿 Cultural Significance in North Cyprus

Sütlaç is more than just a dessert—it’s a taste of Cypriot tradition and hospitality. Families often prepare it for guests, festive gatherings, or to celebrate religious holidays. It represents simplicity, comfort, and the warm generosity of Cypriot kitchens.
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🏡 Final Thoughts

Whether served warm or chilled, Sütlaç remains one of North Cyprus’s sweetest culinary traditions. This timeless rice pudding captures the heart of Cypriot home cooking—simple ingredients, patiently prepared, and full of love.