Sutlijaš – The Sweet Taste of Tradition
Sutlijaš, also known as sutlija, is a sweet dish typical of the Balkans and Turkey. The origin of the word sutlijaš comes from the Turkish word süt, which means milk in Serbian. Originally widespread in Turkish cuisine, this dish has endured over time and is now recognized as a beloved dairy dessert worldwide. It can be enjoyed warm or cold and is often served with additions such as cinnamon, vanilla, or lemon zest.
Through slow cooking, starch molecules from the rice are released, thickening the milk. The result is a soft, creamy texture in which individual rice grains are still visible. Due to its appearance and similarity to pudding, it is sometimes referred to as rice pudding.
Toward the end of cooking, sugar is added to the sutlijaš, enhancing its flavor with cinnamon, vanilla sugar, grated chocolate, or fruit. It can be served hot or cold in a bowl.
The origins and recipes of sutlijaš have evolved over time, adapting to local tastes and traditions. However, one thing remains certain—sutlijaš has always been a favorite dessert, enticing us with its delicious flavor and creamy texture.
Recipe for a Delicious and Creamy Sutlijaš
Ingredients:
1 cup of rice
4 cups of milk
1/2 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)
Preparation:
Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat it over medium temperature until it begins to simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the milk warm gently.
Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Add the washed rice to the milk and stir.
Cook the rice in the milk over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice softens and absorbs most of the milk. This process takes about 20-25 minutes.
Add the sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt to the saucepan with the rice. Continue stirring and cooking for a few more minutes until the sugar dissolves and the sutlijaš reaches a creamy consistency.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sutlijaš cool slightly. Pour it into serving bowls and sprinkle the top with cinnamon.
Allow the sutlijaš to cool completely at room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly.
Serve the sutlijaš cold as a dessert. You can garnish it with fruit slices, such as strawberries or banana slices, for extra flavor.
English 
Serbian 
