Romanian Apple Rice Pudding

Step 1

Preheat oven at 350F/180C.

Step 2

In a medium sauce pan bring to a boil the rice, milk and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the rice mixing continuously until the rice is cooked and the liquid absorbed, for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3

Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Step 4

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat together the eggs and half of the amount of sugar. Add the vanilla.

Step 5

When the rice is cool, pour the egg mixture over it and mix well.

Step 6

Separately, clean the apples and cut them the way you prefer. You can shred them, mince them or just slice them thin.

Step 7

Place the apples in a pan with the amount of butter, the rest of sugar and the cinnamon.

Step 8

Cook them until soft, approximately 7-10 minutes.

Step 9

Butter the bottom and the edges of an 8x8 baking pan.

Step 10

Place a layer of rice mixture in the baking pan, a layer of cooked apples, another layer of rice and apples until you finish, making sure the last layer on top is rice.

Step 11

Bake the pudding for about 30 minutes until golden on top.

Step 12

Serve cold or warm.

Step 13

Optional: Serve it with a fruit syrup on top or your favorite fruit preserves.