Basmati Rice Pudding

According to an Indian proverb, "No treasure is equal to rice." "Payesh," pronounced "pie-esh" is a rice pudding served to celebrate the addition of rice into a six-month-old Indian baby's diet. Each family member feeds the child a spoonful of Payesh. Cooked basmati rice has the heavenly aroma of popped corn.

Pudding

    4 cups cooked basmati rice (see package for directions)
    4 large eggs, beaten
    2 ½ cups whole or fat-free milk
    ¾ cup dark brown sugar
    ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    ¼ teaspoon salt
    1 tablespoon butter, melted

Toppings

    Brown sugar
    Ground cinnamon
    Evaporated milk or whipped cream

1.  Preheat the oven to 325° .

2.  In a 3-quart baking dish, stir the rice, eggs, milk, brown
     sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt and butter.
 
3.  Cover and bake for 45 minutes, serve with toppings.

     Makes 6 servings