Rice pudding

Rice pudding – a classic, comforting dessert full of memories! This simple and delicious dish takes us back to childhood moments when our grandmothers turned basic ingredients into sweet joys. With a creamy texture and inviting aroma, rice pudding is a perfect choice for both everyday desserts and special occasions. Let's discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 – 35 minutes
Total time: 45 – 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 liter of sweet milk
- 250 g rice (preferably dessert rice)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 packets of Dr. Oetker vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- A pinch of fine salt
- Chocolate flakes, cinnamon, caramel, or jam for decoration

Preparation

1. Choosing and washing the rice: Start by selecting a quality rice, preferably one specially made for desserts, such as Arborio or sushi rice. These types of rice have a higher starch content, which will help achieve a creamy texture. Wash the rice well under cold running water until the water runs clear, to remove excess starch. This step is essential to prevent the rice from sticking during cooking.

2. Boiling the rice: In a medium-sized pot, add the washed rice along with 1 cup of water and a pinch of fine salt. Place the pot over medium heat and let the rice boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The rice is ready when all the water has been absorbed, and the grains are slightly translucent but not fully cooked.

3. Adding the milk: Once the rice has absorbed all the water, it’s time to add the sweet milk. At this point, you can opt for a thicker milk, such as condensed milk, for a richer taste. Mix well and let the mixture simmer on low heat. It’s crucial to stir occasionally to avoid the rice sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Flavoring: When the milk starts to boil, add the sugar, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest. The lemon zest will add a fresh and aromatic note to the dessert, while the vanilla sugar will enhance the sweetness. Continue to simmer the mixture for another 10-15 minutes, until the rice becomes soft and the mixture is creamy.

5. Serving: Once the rice pudding is ready, take the pot off the heat and let it cool slightly. Divide the dessert into cups or bowls and let it cool to room temperature. Rice pudding can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference. You can decorate each serving with chocolate flakes, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel, or jam for an appetizing look and added flavor.

Serving suggestions

For an even more enjoyable experience, you can serve it alongside a glass of fruit compote or a fragrant coffee. Additionally, sprinkle some ground nuts on top for added texture and nutrients.

Practical tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon or almond essence. For a more exotic dessert, try adding a few saffron strands during boiling.
- Thickening: If you prefer a thicker rice pudding, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch diluted in a bit of cold water during the last minutes of cooking.
- Storage: Rice pudding keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove, adding a little milk to restore its creaminess.

Nutritional benefits

Rice pudding is a good source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Milk adds calcium and essential proteins for bone and muscle health. Additionally, the sugar and chocolate flakes can be adjusted according to your preferences and dietary needs.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use instant rice?: While it is possible to use instant rice, the texture will not be as creamy. Starchy rice is preferable for this dessert.
- What can I use instead of milk?: You can replace milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk for a vegan or lactose-free option.
- Is rice pudding a heavy dessert?: Depending on the ingredients used, you can adjust the amount of sugar and fats to make it lighter or richer.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Rice pudding is a dessert that brings joy at any time of the day, and each serving will bring back beautiful memories and unforgettable moments. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor every spoonful!