Rice pudding

Rice pudding – a creamy and comforting dessert

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn’t fondly remember childhood moments when simple desserts brought happiness every day? Rice pudding is such a dish, enjoyed in countless homes, whether as an energizing breakfast or a delicious dessert. This classic recipe, with its inviting flavors, takes us back to warm summer days or cool winter evenings, when the warmth of a bowl of rice pudding embraces our soul.

Here’s how you can prepare this quick and simple dessert, with accessible ingredients and an outstanding result.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 cup (200g) of rice (ideally dessert rice, such as Arborio or round grain rice)
- 2 cups (500ml) of water
- 800ml of milk (whole milk for a richer taste)
- a pinch of salt
- 2 egg yolks (fresh, preferably from free-range chickens)
- 1 packet (10g) of vanilla sugar (or 1-2 tablespoons of homemade vanilla sugar)
- 2 lemon peels (unsmoked, to avoid pesticides)
- sugar (to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ground cinnamon for decoration

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Cooking the rice: In a medium pot, add the rice, water, a pinch of salt, lemon peel, and cinnamon stick. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. After about 10-15 minutes, the rice should be almost fully cooked, and the water should be absorbed.

2. Adding the milk: Once the rice is cooked, add the hot milk. It’s important for the milk to be warm so it doesn’t stop the cooking process of the rice. Mix the composition well and let it simmer on low heat, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes. The rice should absorb the milk and become creamy.

3. Sweetening: After the rice has absorbed the milk, add sugar to taste. I suggest starting with 2-3 tablespoons and then adjusting according to your preferences. Mix well so that the sugar dissolves completely.

4. Adding the yolks: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks well. When the rice is ready, take a little of the hot mixture and add it over the yolks to temper them. This step is essential to avoid coagulating the yolks. Then, pour the yolk mixture into the pot, stirring continuously to achieve a creamy texture.

5. Finishing the dish: Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Finally, add the vanilla sugar and mix well. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

6. Serving: You can serve the rice pudding warm or cold, according to your preferences. Decorate with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top for an appealing look and added aroma.

Serving suggestions and variations:

- For a more exotic taste, you can add some raisins or chopped nuts at the end.
- If you want an even more aromatic dessert, a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a few drops of almond extract can work wonders.
- Rice pudding can also be served with fresh fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional information:

This simple dessert provides a good source of carbohydrates and protein from milk, and depending on the preparation method, it can be quite a healthy option. A serving of rice pudding may contain approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and milk used.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use brown rice? The answer is yes, but the cooking time will be longer. Brown rice requires more time to cook completely.
- How can I make a vegan version? Replace milk with almond or coconut milk and omit the yolks. You can add a thickening agent, such as cornstarch, to achieve a similar consistency.
- What can I do if the rice is too liquid? You can simmer the mixture on low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.

Now that you have all the necessary details, you are ready to start cooking! Rice pudding is not just a dessert, but a sweet memory of childhood, perfect for sharing special moments with loved ones. Savor every bite and enjoy the familiar flavors that will warm your heart.