Vanilla Orange Semolina Pudding

This Vanilla and Orange Semolina Pudding is gently sweet with mellow flavors. It only uses a few ingredients and comes together in 15-20 minutes. I opted to serve this with a warm Vanilla Pear Compote, but you can use other fruits. If you want a light dessert or breakfast, try this pudding!

What is Semolina? Semolina 101.

Since this is my first recipe on the site with semolina, I thought I'd introduce the star of the show first. ⭐

I grew up eating a lot of semolina in various forms. I've come across a few people who never heard of it; it's not a common thing to buy for most of us here in the US, unless you grew up with it. Even if you've never heard of it, you've probably had it!

Semolina is coarsely milled durum wheat, which is often known in the West to be used for couscous and pastas. It is typically a pale yellow (may be more brown if whole wheat).

Semolina can also be used to describe other coarsely milled grains, such as rice or corn (grits).

What Does Semolina taste and feel like?

Semolina adds a slightly nutty and slightly sweet taste to a dish. It's typically coarse in texture, like cornmeal, but you can buy finer milled varieties. It also makes things a bit chewy (in a good way), like with pastas or breads. You can add a bit of semolina to a bread in place of some flour, and add some uniqueness to it!

What Can Be Made From Semolina? Semolina in Other Cuisines.

Semolina is often known for being used in pasta. If you're into pasta making, or even pizza making, the word 'Semola' 🇮🇹 may sound familiar.

South Asian cuisine uses it a lot as well, where it is often called Suji or Rava (or something similar). It is also commonly used in Middle Eastern, Greek and Turkish dishes (amongst many other nations) where you'll often find Semolina Cakes or Semolina Puddings/Semolina Custards.

Even my German 🇩🇪 husband enjoyed it as a kid as well. In German, it is called Grieß. We make Grießklößchen (Semolina Dumplings) or puddings similar to this, called Grießbrei (which is often a baby food🤭).

How do I make this Delicious Vanilla Orange Semolina Pudding already?!

Ok, learned enough about Semolina? Let's get to the "pudding" stuff😉. (Good, or not good?!)

This is how you make the pudding:

1. Heat the milk, flavors and sugar in a pot and bring to a boil.
2. Add the semolina until thickened. Cool it down a bit.
3. Make the Vanilla Pear Compote by cooking the pear with vanilla and sugar for a few minutes.
4. Serve warm or chilled.

What Can I Substitute in this Recipe?

This Vanilla Orange Semolina Pudding is extremely versatile.

• Flavors: Change the flavors to your liking. Use other spices or other citrus.
• Milk: You can use dairy or plant-based milk or whipping cream. You can even leave out the whipping cream, but it won't be as light.
• Compote: Pear and vanilla is a wonderful combination, but you can use other fruits, like apples, peaches, apricots, bananas, etc.
• Other toppings: Dried fruits, nuts, shredded coconut, seeds, etc. - the options are endless!