Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

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Introduction:

Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding is a nostalgic dessert that combines tender rice with a rich, creamy milk mixture, flavored with vanilla and a hint of cinnamon. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to make and ideal for serving warm or cold.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6):

  • ½ cup short-grain rice (such as Arborio or sushi rice)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • Optional: ¼ cup raisins or chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice:

  • Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
  • In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce the heat to low, and
  • cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.

2. Prepare the Pudding Mixture:

  • In a large saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar
  • is dissolved and the mixture is warm, but not boiling.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the egg until well beaten. Gradually add a few spoonfuls of the warm milk mixture
  • to the egg, whisking constantly to temper the egg.
  • Stir the tempered egg mixture back into the warm milk mixture.

3. Combine Rice and Pudding Mixture:

  • Add the cooked rice to the milk mixture, stirring to combine.
  • Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pudding thickens and the rice is very tender.

4. Add Flavors:

  • Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.
  • If using, add the raisins or chopped nuts and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

5. Serve:

  • Remove from heat and let the rice pudding cool slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of
  • whipped cream if desired.

Tips for Success:

  • Stir frequently: To prevent the rice pudding from sticking to the bottom of the pan and forming a skin, stir it frequently while it cooks.
  • Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker pudding, cook it a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency. For a creamier texture, add a little more cream.
  • Tempering the egg: Gradually adding the warm milk to the egg helps prevent it from curdling when mixed into the hot milk.

Recommendations:

Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a classic dessert that’s perfect for any time of year, offering a comforting, sweet finish to your meal.

Enjoy your delightful and creamy Rice Pudding!

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