Indulge in Comfort: Baked Rice with Apples, a Taste of Home

Baked rice with apples is reminiscent of the warmth of home and childhood flavors. Beloved by children and adults alike, the dish remains a favorite in my family, with my mom preparing it regularly for lunch.

Though commonly linked with the cooler seasons, baked rice with apples is a delightful choice throughout the year. Ideal for a sweet lunch, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a cozy dinner, it's always a hit.

This dish stands out because of its simplicity and the modest number of ingredients required. The announcement of this meal for lunch has us eagerly counting down the hours.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rice,
• 2 cups of milk,
• 3 tablespoons of sugar,
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar,
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon,
• 4 apples,
• 2 tablespoons of butter,
• a pinch of salt.

How to prepare:

1. Start by rinsing the rice and cooking it in salted water as per the packaging's instructions.
2. In a separate pot, warm the milk and dissolve the sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Drain the cooked rice and mix it with the milk. Stir continuously and simmer on low for about 10 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the milk.
4. Peel and cube the apples, then lightly sauté them in butter until golden brown.
5. Grease an ovenproof dish with butter. Layer half of the rice mixture on the bottom, spread the apples evenly over it and finish with the remaining rice on top.
6. Bake at 356 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes or until the surface is nicely browned.

Consider drizzling the baked casserole with yogurt sweetened with a little sugar. For those who enjoy a decadent touch, serve it with a scoop of vanilla or cream ice cream, much like apple pie. Bon appétit!