Easy Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is one of those timeless desserts that evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia. It’s a dish that has been cherished across generations, ranging from simple family dinners to elaborate holiday feasts. The creamy, dreamy texture of rice pudding captivates not just the palate but also the heart, making it a beloved choice for many. This particular recipe elevates traditional rice pudding by utilizing Arborio rice, known for its unique starch content that lends an irresistible creaminess to the final dish. Additionally, a hint of lemon zest can be introduced to brighten the flavor, making this creamy dessert both comforting and refreshing.

Discover the comfort of creamy dreamy rice pudding with this simple yet indulgent recipe. Using Arborio rice for an irresistible creaminess and a touch of lemon zest for brightness, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm on a cozy evening or chilled for a refreshing treat, rice pudding captivates with its rich flavors and smooth texture. Dive into the world of this timeless dessert and create lasting memories with each delightful bite. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!

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Ingredients

1 cup Arborio rice (or any short-grain 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

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Raisins or sultanas (for garnish, optional)

Ground nutmeg (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Rinse the Rice: Rinse the Arborio rice under cool water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for a creamier texture.

Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 1 cup of the milk. Heat over medium heat until it simmers. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy.

Combine Ingredients: In another medium saucepan, whisk together the remaining 3 cups of milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Heat this mixture over low heat until the sugar dissolves, but do not let it boil.

Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Once the milk mixture is warm, slowly drizzle a small amount into the egg yolks while whisking continuously. This tempers the eggs and prevents them from scrambling.

Thicken the Pudding: Gradually add the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the warm milk mixture, stirring constantly. Cook over low heat for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the pudding thickens slightly.

Combine Puddings: Gently fold the cooked rice into the milk and egg mixture. Add the butter and lemon zest (if using), stirring until combined. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well mixed and heated through.

Serve: Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Spoon the rice pudding into individual serving bowls. Garnish with raisins or sultanas and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg if desired.

Chill (Optional): You can serve the rice pudding warm or allow it to cool completely and serve it chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6