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Creamy Rice Pudding

Creamy Rice Pudding

Creamy Rice Pudding is a comforting and classic dessert that combines a smooth, velvety texture with gentle sweetness. Made with simple pantry staples like short-grain rice, whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. This recipe guides you through each step to deliver a rich, luscious pudding that can be enjoyed warm or chilled, with options to customize with fruits, spices, and nuts.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup short-grain rice
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and Prepare the Rice: Rinse your short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This step ensures a less sticky, creamier pudding texture.
  2. Combine Milk, Cream, and Rice: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with whole milk, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Add the cinnamon stick now if using, to infuse a gentle spice as it cooks.
  3. Simmer Slowly: Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
  4. Sweeten and Flavor: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sugar and vanilla extract, allowing everything to melt together and create a harmonious, creamy flavor.
  5. Cool and Serve: Remove the cinnamon stick, then let the pudding cool slightly. Serve warm or refrigerate for a chilled treat. The pudding will thicken further as it cools, enhancing its luscious texture.

Notes

  • Use short-grain or arborio rice to achieve the ideal soft and creamy texture.
  • Cook over low heat and stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even creaminess.
  • Incorporating heavy cream enriches the pudding for a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Add sugar at the end of cooking to better control sweetness and to avoid overcooking the sugar.
  • Remove from heat when the pudding looks slightly loose; it will thicken more as it cools.

Nutrition

Keywords: rice pudding, creamy dessert, short-grain rice dessert, classic pudding, comfort food dessert, dairy dessert