Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding. This creamy, rich dessert is a timeless favorite that has been passed down through generations. Made with simple ingredients, it combines the softness of rice with the sweetness of sugar, a hint of vanilla, and a dusting of cinnamon. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat for breakfast, dessert, or as an after-dinner indulgence, this rice pudding brings a sense of nostalgia with every spoonful.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of uncooked white rice
- 4 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter (optional, for richness)
- 1/4 cup of raisins (optional, for added sweetness)
Instructions:
- Cook the Rice:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Prepare the Pudding Base:
- Once the rice is cooked, add the 4 cups of whole milk to the saucepan with the rice. Stir in the granulated sugar and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Temper the Eggs:
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs and slowly add a few tablespoons of the hot milk mixture into the eggs to temper them. Stir constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Gradually whisk the tempered eggs back into the saucepan.
- Cook the Pudding:
- Continue cooking the pudding on low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. This may take about 10-15 minutes. The pudding should coat the back of a spoon when it’s done.
- Finishing Touches:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, butter (if using), and raisins (if using). If you like a smooth texture, you can also blend the pudding lightly with an immersion blender at this stage.
- Chill and Serve:
- Allow the rice pudding to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to firm up further. You can also serve it warm if you prefer.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Before serving, sprinkle with a light dusting of cinnamon, if desired. Serve your homemade rice pudding as a delicious treat that’s sure to be loved by everyone!