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!