Traditional Rice Pudding

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Traditional rice pudding is the perfect comfort dessert, effortlessly bridging simplicity and nostalgia. Its creamy texture and warm spices make it an ideal treat for cozy evenings or festive gatherings.

Ingredients for Traditional Rice Pudding

The heart of this dish is short-grain white rice, known for its starchy quality that thickens the pudding naturally. Whole milk gives the pudding its creamy consistency, while granulated sugar sweetens the mix without overpowering the delicate flavors. A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness, and vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic depth. Cinnamon and nutmeg lend the pudding its classic spiced profile. Finally, unsalted butter introduces a silky finish, and raisins, if you choose to include them, provide bursts of sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

  • If the pudding is too thick, stir in a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • Use a non-stick saucepan to make stirring easier and prevent the pudding from sticking.
  • Stir frequently to avoid a skin forming on the surface as the pudding cools.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful contrast, serve rice pudding with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a richer experience. Consider enjoying it alongside a light green tea to balance the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but the cooking time will be longer, and the texture will be slightly chewier.
How long does rice pudding keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely, substitute the whole milk with almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

Traditional Rice Pudding Recipe Walkthrough

Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch and prevents the pudding from becoming overly thick. In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed.

With the rice ready, introduce the milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the saucepan. Stir everything together well. You'll want to cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. In about 30 to 35 minutes, the mixture should thicken as the rice becomes tender.

Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. The butter should melt completely, integrating smoothly into the pudding. If you're using raisins, this is the moment to fold them in.

Finally, transfer the pudding to a serving dish. Let it cool slightly if you prefer it warm, or refrigerate it for a chilled version. Either way, it's ready to enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and accessible.
  • Rich, creamy texture that satisfies dessert cravings.
  • Customizable with optional add-ins like raisins or nuts.
  • Easy to prepare with straightforward steps.

Ingredients

1 cup short-grain white rice
2 cups water
4 cups whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
3. Add the milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the saucepan with the rice. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the rice is tender, about 30-35 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until melted and well combined.
6. If using, fold in the raisins.
7. Transfer the pudding to a serving dish and let it cool slightly. Serve warm or refrigerate for a chilled option.

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