RECIPE » Tom Sarafian’s Gatnabour (Armenian rice pudding)

"This is a dish that takes me straight back to my childhood, it’s one of the first things I can remember eating at my grandparents house. It’s beautiful for an indulgent breakfast straight from the fridge, or can be a warm, comforting dessert on a chilly winter evening.

A simple recipe like this is really beautiful when the best quality ingredients are used. If possible, use good quality, freshly ground cinnamon (it makes a huge difference), as does fresh milk, walnuts and homemade jam from your local farmers market. I use Sri Lankan cinnamon from NSM foods in Brunswick."

- Tom Sarafian

Armenian Rice Pudding Recipe With thanks to Tom Sarafian

Serves 4 people

Ingredients

250ml water

250g short grain rice

1.5L full cream milk

250g panela sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

200g plum jam

100g walnuts

Method

1. Pour water and rice into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.

2. Stir, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes until most of the water has been absorbed.

3. Meanwhile, roughly chop the walnuts and toast in a small pan for three minutes on a low heat, then add a splash of water and the jam. Stir well to combine, then turn off and set aside.

4. Now add the milk to the rice and continue to cook on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the sugar and keep stirring for five minutes to prevent the rice catching or burning.

6. Once the sugar has dissolved and the consistency is thick and creamy, turn off and allow to cool slightly.

7. To serve, place a tablespoon of jam into four glass bowls and then top with the rice. Dust with cinnamon all over before serving.