Easy Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is a beloved classic, cherished for its soothing qualities and delightful flavors. As a staple in many households, this dish evokes warm memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. The creamy texture and rich flavor of rice pudding make it a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you're seeking a comforting treat after a long day or a sweet ending to a family dinner.

Discover the delightful world of creamy comfort rice pudding with this easy, versatile recipe! Learn about its rich history and how to personalize it with various ingredients like fruits, spices, and flavor enhancers. Whether you prefer it warm or chilled, this pudding offers a comforting end to any meal. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a delicious dish that evokes cozy memories and can easily cater to your dietary needs. Perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings at home!

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Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice

4 cups whole milk

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large egg yolks (optional for extra creaminess)

1/2 cup raisins or dried fruit (optional)

Zest of 1 lemon (for a citrusy twist)

Instructions

Rinse the Rice: Start by rinsing the Arborio rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This will help keep the pudding creamy without being too sticky.

Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir the mixture gently to incorporate the ingredients.

Cook the Rice: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently to avoid any sticking. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Add Egg Yolks (Optional): If you want a richer pudding, whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl. After the rice has cooked and absorbed most of the milk, temper the yolks by gradually adding a few spoonfuls of the hot rice mixture into the egg yolks. This will prevent them from scrambling. Then, stir the yolk mixture back into the rice pudding. Cook for another 5 minutes.

Stir in Add-Ins: If using, fold in the raisins/dried fruit and lemon zest during the last few minutes of cooking. This will allow them to plump up and infuse their flavors into the pudding.

Cool and Serve: Once the pudding reaches your desired consistency (it will thicken as it cools), remove it from heat. You can serve it warm or cold, depending on personal preference. If serving later, cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

Garnish (Optional): Top with additional ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg before serving for an extra pop of flavor!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6