Rice pudding with cheese

Rice Pudding with Cheese – A Nostalgic Delicacy

Who doesn’t remember the moments spent around the table, savoring a warm treat with flavors that remind us of childhood? Rice pudding with cheese is one of those recipes that embraces us warmly, bringing back precious memories. This delicious recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a perfect way to use simple ingredients that you surely already have in your pantry.

Preparation Time:
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 500 ml whole milk
- 150 g rice (ideally, round-grain rice)
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter (for flavor and texture)
- 2 tablespoons raisins (or more, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar with vanilla paste (or vanilla extract)
- Grated zest of one orange (for an extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the taste)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

History of Rice Pudding:
Rice pudding is a traditional dessert that has been prepared in various forms over time, with deep roots in gastronomy. It is a perfect combination of grains and dairy, highly appreciated for its creamy texture and sweet taste. This recipe has often been made in families, being an excellent way to gather loved ones around the table.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Rice:
Start by washing the rice in two or three waters to remove excess starch. This step is essential as it helps achieve a less sticky texture. After washing, let it drain well.

2. Boiling the Rice:
In a pot, bring the milk to a boil, adding a pinch of salt. When the milk starts to boil, add the rice and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked three-quarters of the way. This process takes about 10-15 minutes. The rice should not be fully cooked as it will continue to cook in the oven.

3. Preparing the Mixture:
Once the rice is ready, remove the pot from the heat and add the butter, stirring well until it melts and is fully incorporated. Let the mixture cool.

4. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the crumbled cottage cheese, beaten eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and grated orange zest. Mix well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed. Then, add the cooled rice and mix again.

5. Incorporating the Raisins and Whipped Cream:
Add the raisins and whipped cream, gently folding with a spatula to avoid deflating the cream. This step will make the pudding fluffier and more aromatic.

6. Preparing the Baking Dishes:
Line a loaf pan and a small ceramic dish with parchment paper. Grease them with a little butter to prevent the pudding from sticking.

7. Baking the Pudding:
Pour the mixture into the two dishes and place them in the preheated oven at 180°C. Bake the pudding for 30-40 minutes or until it is nicely browned on top. Perform the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready.

8. Cooling and Serving:
Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look. You can serve the pudding warm, and for an extra touch of flavor, add a bit of cherry jam on top.

Serving Suggestions:
Rice pudding with cheese is delicious both warm and cold. It can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a sweet-sour contrast. Additionally, a fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee pairs perfectly with this dessert.

Nutritional Benefits:
This pudding is a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs, and it provides essential carbohydrates from the rice. The orange zest adds a dose of vitamin C, while the raisins are rich in antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use another type of rice?
Although round-grain rice is ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with basmati rice or long-grain rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time.

2. What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
You can use ricotta or goat cheese for a different flavor. Ensure the texture is similar to achieve a slightly creamy pudding.

3. Can the pudding be frozen?
Yes, rice pudding can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it well in aluminum foil or airtight containers.

4. How can I enhance the flavor?
Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a more complex flavor. You can also experiment with other citrus fruits, such as lemon or grapefruit.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to get cooking! Rice pudding with cheese is not just a dessert, but a way to bring family together and create unforgettable memories. Savor every bite and enjoy the taste of childhood!