🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
½ cup medium-grain white rice (Arborio or Calrose—not quick-cook!)
4 cups whole milk (or 2% + ½ cup cream for extra richness)
½ cup granulated sugar (or light brown sugar for caramel notes)
1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
Pinch of salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup raisins (optional—soaked in warm water or rum for 10 mins)
Freshly grated nutmeg, for serving
💡 No raisins? Try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or leave it plain—it’s delicious either way.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (The Creamy, Non-Gluey Method)
1. Simmer the Rice
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine:
→ Rice
→ Milk
→ Sugar
→ Cinnamon stick
→ Pinch of salt
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and cook 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and mixture is thickened (like loose oatmeal).
2. Temper the Eggs (Key Step!)
Remove pan from heat. Remove cinnamon stick.
Slowly drizzle ½ cup of the hot rice mixture into the beaten eggs, whisking constantly.
Pour the tempered eggs back into the pot, stirring quickly to combine.
→ This prevents scrambled eggs!
3. Finish with Richness
Return to low heat and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until pudding thickens slightly (it will continue to thicken as it cools).
Remove from heat. Stir in:
→ Butter
→ Vanilla
→ Plumped raisins (if using)
4. Cool & Serve
Serve warm, room temp, or chilled—all are delicious!
Dust with freshly grated nutmeg before serving.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Pudding Every Time
Stir occasionally, not constantly—too much stirring releases starch = gluey texture.
Don’t rush the simmer—low and slow = creamy, not chalky.
Use room-temp eggs—they temper more evenly.
For custard-like set: Chill 2+ hours before serving.
Vegan version: Use oat milk + cornstarch (2 tbsp) instead of eggs, and coconut oil instead of butter.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
Classic: Warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg
Decadent: Top with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel
Breakfast twist: Swirl in fruit compote or fresh berries
Holiday style: Add a pinch of cardamom and serve with spiced poached pears
❤️ A Dish Steeped in Tradition
Rice pudding is a global comfort food—found in Scandinavia, India, Latin America, and beyond. In America, it became a Depression-era staple, stretching rice and milk into something nourishing and sweet.
It’s the dessert that says, “I may not have much—but I have enough to share.”
💛 Final Thought
In a world of flashy desserts, rice pudding is a quiet reminder that simplicity can be sacred.
So tie on an apron. Let the milk simmer.
And stir with the same care your grandmother did.
Your kitchen—and your soul—will be richer for it.