What is La Belga?
La Belga, also known as Belgian Rice Tart, is a traditional Belgian pastry that combines a creamy rice pudding filling with a sweet and flaky crust. This exquisite dessert is often enjoyed during special occasions or as a delightful treat to end a meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, combine the cooked rice, milk, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then gradually add a small amount of the hot rice mixture while whisking constantly. This will help temper the eggs and prevent them from curdling. Once tempered, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining rice mixture. Stir well.
- Continue cooking the rice mixture over low heat for another 2-3 minutes, until it reaches a custard-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Line a pie dish with the pre-made or homemade pastry crust.
- Pour the rice pudding filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the top with a generous amount of ground cinnamon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Allow the La Belga to cool before serving. For an extra touch, you can dust the top with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoying La Belga
La Belga is best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. Cut it into slices and serve as a delightful dessert after a savory Belgian meal. The creamy rice pudding filling combined with the buttery crust creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, La Belga is a must-try Belgian dessert that will leave you craving for more.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps outlined in this guide, and get ready to impress your family and friends with the irresistible flavors of Belgian cuisine!