Ingredients
– 1 cup arborio or short-grain rice for natural creaminess without eggs
– 4 cups whole milk for richness and tender rice
– 1/2 cup sugar for sweetening
– Pinch of salt to balance flavors
– 1 tsp vanilla extract for aroma and depth
– 1 cinnamon stick for subtle spice
– 1/4 cup raisins (optional) for chewy sweetness and texture contrast
– 1 tbsp cornstarch (for slurry with 2 tbsp milk, optional) for thickening
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, added at end) for luxurious creaminess
Instructions
1-First Step: Preparation/mise en place: Place 1 cup arborio rice in a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse under cold water until clear, about 1 minute. This removes excess starch to prevent gumminess. Measure 4 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup sugar, pinch of salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 cinnamon stick. Have optional raisins and cornstarch slurry ready. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan (3-quart size) to avoid scorching.
2-Second Step: Start simmering: Pour milk into saucepan over medium heat. Add rinsed rice, sugar, salt, and cinnamon stick. Stir well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low immediately. High heat causes milk to curdle or burn.
3-Third Step: Cook and stir: Simmer on low for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 3-5 minutes. Rice absorbs milk and releases starches for creaminess. Scrape bottom to prevent sticking. After 20 minutes, check rice tenderness; it should be soft but hold shape. If too thick, add 1/4 cup milk.
4-Fourth Step: Boost thickness if needed: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold milk to form slurry. Stir into pudding midway (around 25 minutes) if smoother texture desired. Continue cooking 5-10 minutes. This mimics egg custard binding without eggs.
5-Fifth Step: Add flavors and finish: Remove cinnamon stick. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla and 1/4 cup raisins if using. For richer taste, add 1/2 cup heavy cream off heat. Cook 2 more minutes. Pudding thickens more as it cools. Taste and adjust sugar.
6-Final Step: Finishing touches and serving: Remove from heat. Let cool 10 minutes in pot, stirring occasionally. Spoon into bowls. Serve warm with nutmeg sprinkle or chilled topped with berries. For parfaits, layer with yogurt.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
๐ก Rinse rice first to remove excess starch for smoother texture.
๐ฅ Stir every few minutes during simmering to avoid scorching bottom.
โญ Top with fresh berries or a dash of nutmeg for flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
