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Rice Pudding

A rich, creamy dessert made with simmered short-grain rice, milk, and spices, perfect served warm or chilled.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice (short-grain or Arborio), rinsed until water runs clear
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (optional), for custardy texture
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup raisins (optional), soaked for plumpness
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Ground nutmeg or extra cinnamon, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch and debris.
  2. Measure 4 cups of whole milk and reserve it near the stove for quick access during cooking.
  3. Combine rice, 4 cups milk, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ tsp salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent milk from scalding and sticking to the pan.
  5. Reduce heat to maintain a low simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until rice is tender and mixture thickens, about 25 to 30 minutes.
  6. Adjust consistency by adding additional milk or cream, a few tablespoons at a time, if the pudding becomes too thick before rice is fully tender.
  7. Beat 2 egg yolks in a small bowl until smooth, reserving the whites for another use or discarding them.
  8. Temper yolks by whisking a few tablespoons of hot rice mixture into the yolks to raise their temperature slowly.
  9. Stir the tempered yolks back into the pot and continue to cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to thicken slightly without curdling.
  10. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, optional raisins, and 1 tbsp butter; stir to combine and melt the butter into the pudding.
  11. Remove pot from heat, let cool slightly, and serve warm, or chill before serving for a firmer texture.

Notes

For a lighter version, reduce heavy cream and use plant-based milk.

  • Author: jayne
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Comfort/International
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 110mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: rice pudding, dessert, creamy pudding, Arborio rice, comfort food