Vanilla Rice Pudding

I feel like rice pudding doesn’t get the respect it deserves in the dessert world. It is incredibly easy to make, delicious, and there are endless ways to make variations on it.

Rice pudding is a creamy and comforting dessert made from rice, milk (or dairy free options like in this recipe), sugar, and various flavorings. It is a popular dish in many cultures around the world, with different variations and names in different regions. The basic concept of rice pudding involves cooking rice in milk until it becomes tender and absorbs the milk, resulting in a rich and creamy texture.

History of Rice Pudding:

Rice pudding has a rich history that dates back centuries, with its roots traced to various cultures around the globe. Historically, rice was a staple food in many Asian and Middle Eastern countries, and as rice traveled through trade routes, so did the idea of rice pudding. Different cultures added their unique touches to the recipe, resulting in a diverse array of rice pudding variations.

For instance, in India, rice pudding, known as “kheer,” is often prepared during festivals and celebrations. In Scandinavian countries, “risgrynsgröt” is a traditional Christmas dish, typically served with cinnamon and sugar. In Mexico it is called arroz con leche and served with cinnamon.

Ingredients of Rice Pudding:

• Rice – I prefer to use white jasmine rice, which is a long grain rice so it isn’t too gummy and overly starchy. Long grain rice has less starch, but still enough to make rice pudding creamy. Many other people use short grain rice like arborio, which makes extremely creamy and starchy rice pudding.
• Milk – usually a combination of cream and milk is used. In my recipe I use a combination of coconut milk and almond milk to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
• Sweetener – usually cane sugar, granulated sugar, or brown sugar is used. In my recipe I use maple syrup so it isn’t overly sweet.
• Flavorings – you can add just about any flavor to rice pudding. The most common ones are cinnamon and vanilla.

Topping Ideas:

I like to top my rice pudding with all kinds of things, here are some ideas and variations that would keep rice pudding interesting.

• Cinnamon sauteed apples
• Strawberries and basil
• Berry compote
• Balsamic berries
• Caramelized oranges
• Caramelized bananas
• Raisins
• Whipped cream
• Caramel
• Chopped nuts