Description
Creamy and comforting rice pudding made with Arborio rice, whole milk, and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. This classic dessert is gently simmered to a smooth consistency, with optional golden raisins for added sweetness, perfect served warm or chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4½ cups whole milk
- 1½ cups water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick (3 or 4 inches long)
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup golden raisins (optional)
Garnish
- 1 cinnamon stick grated or ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy bottomed, 3-quart saucepan, combine the whole milk, water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and Arborio rice. Stir to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to an intense simmer just below boiling over medium-high heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer and continue cooking, stirring frequently until the rice is tender and the pudding thickens, about 45 minutes. The mixture should have the texture of thin oatmeal.
- Remove Cinnamon Stick and Add Flavor: Remove the cinnamon stick from the pot. Stir in the vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract and golden raisins if using, ensuring everything is combined well.
- Serve or Chill: Spoon the rice pudding into individual ramekins or a large serving dish. Allow it to cool slightly before serving, or cool to room temperature, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. The pudding can be enjoyed warm or cold.
- Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly grated cinnamon or ground cinnamon for an aromatic finish.
Notes
- For an intensified vanilla flavor, split half of a vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds; add both seeds and pod to the pot with the cinnamon stick during cooking.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the rice and milk from sticking or burning on the bottom of the pan.
- Use Arborio rice or paella rice like Boomba rice for the best creamy texture; other rice varieties may not yield the same consistency.
- Golden raisins are optional but add a nice sweetness and texture contrast.
- This pudding continues to thicken as it cools; if it becomes too thick, stir in a little warm milk before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
