Rice Pudding

A timeless favorite, rice pudding combines rich milk, delicate rice, and a dash of sweetness to create a creamy, calming delicacy. This adaptable dessert, which is typically improved with raisins, cinnamon, or vanilla, crosses cultural boundaries and demonstrates how appealing it is to people of many backgrounds as a homey, straightforward, yet sophisticated dish.

Tasting Notes

This rice pudding boasts a rich, creamy texture with a perfect balance of sweetness. The aromatic hint of cinnamon and vanilla adds depth to the flavor, making each spoonful a delightful experience. Serve it warm for a cozy treat or chilled for a refreshing twist.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Kitchen Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Serving bowls or glasses

Instructions

1. Rinse the Rice:
   • Start by rinsing the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
2. Cook the Rice:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and salt.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking.
3. Simmer and Stir:
   • Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens (about 20-25 minutes).
4. Add Flavor:
   • Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
5. Optional Raisins:
   • If you’re a fan of raisins, fold them into the rice pudding during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice pudding cool slightly before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Pro Tips

• For extra creaminess, you can replace some of the milk with additional heavy cream.
• Experiment with different types of rice for varied textures.

Variations

1. Chocolate Rice Pudding:
   • Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a decadent chocolate twist.
2. Fruity Delight:
   • Fold in diced fruits like mangoes, peaches, or strawberries for a fruity burst.
3. Coconut Infusion:
   • Substitute coconut milk for regular milk for a tropical flavor.

FAQs