A simple and delicious **Rice Pudding Recipe** that’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for dessert or even breakfast!
### Creamy Rice Pudding Recipe
#### Ingredients:
– **1 cup short-grain white rice** (or medium-grain rice)
– **4 cups whole milk** (or a mix of whole milk and heavy cream for extra richness)
– **1/2 cup granulated sugar**
– **1/4 tsp salt**
– **1 tsp vanilla extract**
– **1/2 tsp ground cinnamon** (optional, for flavor)
– **1/4 tsp ground nutmeg** (optional, for flavor)
– **1 egg** (optional, for extra creaminess)
– **Raisins** (optional, for garnish)
– **Cinnamon stick** (optional, for garnish)
#### Instructions:
1. **Cook the rice**: In a medium saucepan, rinse the **rice** under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures the pudding isn’t too sticky. Add the rice to a large pot with **2 cups of water**. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. If there’s excess water, just drain it.
2. **Combine the milk and sugar**: In a separate saucepan, add the **milk**, **sugar**, and **salt**. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, and the milk is warm but not boiling.
3. **Cook the rice in the milk**: Add the cooked rice to the warm milk mixture. Stir constantly, reducing the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice absorbs the milk and becomes creamy. Be patient, as it will slowly thicken and take on a rich consistency.
4. **Add the egg (optional)**: If you want a richer, custard-like texture, whisk the **egg** in a separate bowl and gradually temper it by adding a few spoonfuls of the warm rice pudding mixture to the egg, whisking constantly. Then slowly pour the egg mixture into the pot, stirring constantly, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency. Don’t let it boil after adding the egg to avoid scrambling.
5. **Flavor it**: Stir in the **vanilla extract**, **ground cinnamon**, and **ground nutmeg** (if using). These will add a warm, comforting flavor to your rice pudding.
6. **Serve**: Spoon the rice pudding into serving bowls. If you like, top with **raisins**, a sprinkle of **cinnamon**, or a **cinnamon stick** for garnish.
7. **Chill or enjoy warm**: You can enjoy the rice pudding warm, or let it cool to room temperature and refrigerate it for a few hours for a chilled treat. It’s great either way!
### Tips:
– **For a vegan version**: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of dairy milk, and omit the egg for a plant-based pudding.
– **Add-ins**: Try adding a handful of **chopped nuts** (like almonds or pistachios), **dried fruit** (like currants or dried cherries), or a dash of **orange zest** for extra flavor.
– **Sweetness**: Adjust the sugar to your liking – you can add more or less depending on how sweet you prefer your rice pudding.
This **Rice Pudding** is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings and can be enjoyed both warm and cold. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings a little bit of nostalgia with every bite! ????????