Certainly! Here’s a classic and simple recipe for Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup white rice (short-grain or long-grain)
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions:
Rinse the Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
Combine Ingredients:
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, and salt.
Cook Rice:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Add Flavorings:
Once the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened, stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and butter.
Mix well.
Optional Raisins:
If you’re using raisins, add them to the pudding at this point.
Stir until they are evenly distributed.
Continue Cooking:
Continue to cook the pudding for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
The pudding will thicken further as it cools.
Serve Warm or Cold:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice pudding cool for a few minutes before serving.
You can serve it warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Garnish (Optional):
Sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top for garnish before serving.
Variations
Rice pudding is a versatile dessert that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
For a richer version, replace some of the milk with heavy cream or coconut milk, which adds a luxurious texture and flavor.
You can also experiment with different sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar, to give the pudding a unique twist.
Adding citrus zest, like orange or lemon, can introduce a refreshing, tangy note that balances the sweetness.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, consider topping the pudding with toasted nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
Fresh fruits like sliced bananas, berries, or diced apples can also be stirred in for a burst of natural sweetness and texture.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating spices like cardamom, ginger, or even a pinch of saffron for an exotic flavor profile.
For a healthier alternative, use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice and swap whole milk for almond, oat, or soy milk.
You can also reduce the sugar and rely on natural sweetness from fruits or a drizzle of agave syrup.
These variations allow you to enjoy rice pudding while catering to specific dietary needs or preferences.
How to Store
Rice pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Make sure it has cooled completely before transferring it to the container to prevent condensation, which can affect the texture.
If the pudding thickens too much in the fridge, you can loosen it by stirring in a splash of milk or cream before serving.
For longer storage, rice pudding can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Portion it into individual servings and place them in freezer-safe containers or bags.
When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned rice pudding is a comforting and nostalgic dessert that’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with creative variations, it’s a dish that can be tailored to suit any taste or occasion.
Its simplicity and versatility make it a favorite for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Flavor Variations
1. Creamier Texture
Replace part of the milk with heavy cream, evaporated milk, or coconut milk for a richer, silkier pudding.
2. Different Sweeteners
Substitute granulated sugar with:
Brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor
Maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness
Agave nectar for a low-glycemic option
3. Add Zest
Stir in lemon or orange zest during the last few minutes of cooking to add brightness and balance the sweetness.
4. Spice it Up
Try other warm spices like cardamom, ground ginger, cloves, or even a pinch of saffron for a unique twist.
5. Stir-In Options
Dried fruits: Chopped dates, cranberries, or apricots.
Fresh fruit: Sliced bananas, chopped apples, or berries (add just before serving)
Nuts: Toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts for crunch
6. Healthier Options
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice (cooking time may be longer)
Swap whole milk for plant-based milks like oat, almond, or soy
Cut down sugar and rely more on naturally sweet ingredients like ripe bananas or dried fruit
Serving Tips
Serve warm on cold days with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.
Chill and serve with fresh fruit or a spoonful of jam for a refreshing summer dessert.
Drizzle with caramel sauce or honey for added indulgence.
Texture Control
For looser pudding: Add more milk or stir in milk before serving if it’s too thick.
For thicker pudding: Let it simmer a bit longer uncovered until desired consistency is reached.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~280
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 47g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 26g
Protein: 5g
Calcium: ~15% DV
Iron: ~4% DV
Notes:
Using low-fat milk can reduce calories and fat.
Omitting raisins lowers sugar and calories slightly.
Adding cream increases fat and calories significantly.
Nutrition will vary based on serving size and ingredients used.
Would you like the nutritional facts adjusted for any specific variation (e.g., plant-based, low-sugar, or no raisins)?