Homemade simple and delicious rice pudding recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of white rice (short-grain or medium-grain)
  • 4 cups of milk (whole milk or a mix of milk and cream)
  • 1/2 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (plus extra for garnish)
  • A pinch of salt
  • Optional: Raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the Rice: Start by rinsing the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Drain well.
  2. Cook the Rice: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, a pinch of salt, and 2 cups of milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer.
  3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer gently. Stir occasionally to ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. As the liquid gets absorbed, add the remaining 2 cups of milk gradually, allowing the rice to absorb the milk and become creamy.
  4. Add Sugar and Flavor: Once the rice is mostly cooked and the mixture has thickened, stir in the sugar and continue to cook, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. The rice should be tender and creamy.
  5. Finish with Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. If you’re adding raisins, dried cranberries, or nuts, this is the time to mix them in.
  6. Serve: Spoon the rice pudding into serving dishes or bowls. You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled, based on your preference. If desired, sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon on top for garnish.
  7. Chill (Optional): If you prefer your rice pudding chilled, cover the serving dishes with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

Enjoy your homemade rice pudding! It’s a comforting and versatile dessert that you can customize with various toppings and flavors.