When you try this recipe, you’ll understand why Rice Pudding has such global appeal!
By the time I married my significant other, she’d spent years introducing me to unique flavors from around the world using skills she’d acquired as a chef and her time at Keiser University’s culinary arts department. One of the many lessons she’s taught me is that many cultures have similar recipes for nearly identical dishes.
There are many reasons why different nations would have so many differences yet produce some of the same dishes, she explained. Whether it be because of similarly available resources or cultural exchanges during times of peak trade between countries, the one simple explanation that really resonated with me has always made the most sense: Some things are just tasty together!
Such is the case with rice pudding. Called kheer in India, arroz con leche in Spanish-speaking countries, and kalter milchreis in Germany, rice pudding is something you can find almost anywhere in the world, with a wide variety of recipes that all include the same quintessential ingredients: rice, cream, and cinnamon. The fundamental flavors of creamy rice and a little bit of spice are perfect served hot or cold for anything from breakfast to dessert.
This rice pudding recipe keeps it simple and serves as the perfect foundation for you to put your own flavorful spin on it. You gotta love it when simple ingredients come together to make a globally appealing, gluten-free dish that’s perfect for just about anyone.
Is Rice Pudding Healthy?
Rice pudding is mostly made from rice and milk, which makes it nutritionally unremarkable. White rice has little to offer by way of nutrients (it is processed, after all), and whole milk is high in saturated fat. That said, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a dessert in moderation.
This rice pudding, which is naturally gluten-free, can be made with plant-based milk, which will help lighten it up as well as make it vegan and suitable for those who are lactose intolerant. You can also top your rice pudding with fresh fruit to help supplement vitamin-richness and antioxidants. And nut butter can help pack a delicious dessert with a surprising amount of protein!
A Rice Pudding By Any Other Name…
Rice pudding is so common across a variety of cultures. Here are a couple of alternative flavors that I recommend trying so you can explore the globe with every bite!
- Top your rice pudding with tropical ingredients like candied mango and shaved coconut for a traditional Senegalese sombi, reaping the nutritional benefits of vitamin C.
- Spice up your chilled rice pudding with a pinch of cardamom to make Egyptian roz bel laban, a deliciously fragrant combination.
- Sprinkle chopped almonds on your rice pudding and serve with cherry sauce to experience the Danish Christmas favorite of risalamande, perfect for seasonal desserts (or anytime snacks!).
How To Make Ahead And Store
Rice pudding is easy to make ahead of time and only gets better when stored. Just keep it in the fridge for 3-5 days. Chilled rice pudding can be served as a cold breakfast or dessert anytime you want. If you want it hot again, stir and heat in the microwave for brief intervals and enjoy a warm treat!
Serving Suggestions
Rice pudding is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack! Try having a breakfast of cinnamon-spiced rice pudding with a savory main like a Breakfast Casserole or some Spinach Egg Muffins. Having rice pudding for dessert? Nothing pairs with a dessert pudding quite like a Chocolate Lava Cake (just use your chilled rice pudding in place of ice cream, trust me!).
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring the rice, water, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the milk and sugar into the saucepan with the cooked rice. Cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract. Serve the rice pudding warm in individual bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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