Creamy Rice Pudding Delight (Printable Version)
Tender rice cooked in creamy milk with vanilla and cinnamon, perfect for a comforting sweet treat.
# What You Need:
→ Grains
01 - 1/2 cup short-grain rice (e.g., Arborio or pudding rice)
→ Dairy
02 - 3 cups whole milk
03 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
04 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
→ Flavorings
06 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
08 - Pinch of salt
→ Optional Garnishes
09 - Ground cinnamon
10 - Fresh berries
11 - Toasted nuts
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain thoroughly.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, salt, and butter. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until gently simmering.
03 - Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring frequently until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy, approximately 30 to 35 minutes.
04 - Stir in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, then cook for an additional 2 minutes before removing from heat.
05 - Allow to cool slightly. Serve either warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkling of cinnamon, fresh berries, or toasted nuts as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The rice melts into the cream without becoming mushy, creating a texture that feels like silk in your mouth.
- It's forgiving enough to make on a quiet Tuesday but elegant enough to serve when people come over.
- You can eat it warm straight from the pot or chill it overnight and have a completely different experience the next day.
02 -
- Rinsing the rice isn't optional; it's the difference between pudding and starch soup—I learned this the hard way on my second attempt.
- Stirring frequently prevents a tough skin from forming on the bottom of the pan and ensures the rice cooks evenly instead of clumping.
- Don't rush the heat; high temperature will cause the milk to scorch, and suddenly your comforting dessert tastes slightly burnt.
03 -
- Make a double batch and keep it in the refrigerator; people will find it and eat it in quiet moments throughout the week, and that's exactly the right way for this to be consumed.
- If your pudding seems too thin at the end, don't panic—it continues to thicken as it cools, and reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk brings it back to life.