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Vanilla Rice Pudding

Vanilla Rice Pudding

A cozy and nostalgic dessert made with Arborio rice, warm vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon. This creamy pudding can be served warm or chilled, making it perfect for any season.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Keyword: easy dessert, Rice Pudding
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 39 minutes
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Arborio rice (or other short-grain rice)
  • ½ cup (100g) sugar – white or light brown
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
  • 4 ½ cups (1065ml) whole milk, divided
  • 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • ground cinnamon, for serving

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, combine rice, sugar, salt, and 4 ½ cups milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat, partially cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is tender.
  • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  • Let the pudding rest for a few minutes to thicken naturally. For a chilled version, cool to room temperature and refrigerate before serving. Stir before serving to restore creaminess.
  • Fold in heavy cream just before serving. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy warm or cold.

Notes

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir in a splash of milk before serving if it thickens too much.
  • Freezer: Not recommended.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Use 2% milk for a lighter version.
  • Try brown or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
  • Make it dairy-free with oat or almond milk and coconut cream.
  • Infuse with orange zest or a cinnamon stick while cooking.