Rice pudding is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. This creamy old-fashioned rice pudding recipe is simple to make and brings back memories of home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re looking for a warm and satisfying dessert or a nostalgic treat, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients for Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding
For the Pudding:
- 1/2 cup white rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
For Serving (Optional):
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
How to Make Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding
Preparing the Rice:
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Boil the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and 2 cups of milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the milk is absorbed.
Making the Pudding:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the cooked rice, remaining 2 cups of milk, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Temper the Eggs: In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Gradually stir in a small amount of the hot rice mixture to temper the eggs. Gradually add the tempered eggs to the saucepan, stirring constantly.
- Cook the Pudding: Cook the pudding over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 2-3 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and raisins, if using.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pudding cool slightly, then spoon into serving dishes. Serve warm or chilled, sprinkled with ground cinnamon if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Rice
Rice is the base ingredient for this pudding, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor. The type of rice you use can affect the texture of the pudding; long-grain rice tends to result in a creamier pudding, while short-grain rice can make it thicker and stickier.
Milk
Milk is used to cook the rice and create the creamy consistency of the pudding. Whole milk is recommended for a richer flavor and creamier texture, but you can use low-fat or non-dairy milk alternatives if preferred.
Sugar
Sugar adds sweetness to the pudding, balancing the flavors of the other ingredients. You can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.
Eggs
Eggs help to thicken the pudding and give it a smooth, custard-like consistency. Be sure to temper the eggs before adding them to the hot rice mixture to prevent them from curdling.
Spices
Vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg add warm, comforting flavors to the pudding. These spices complement the creamy texture of the rice pudding and enhance its overall taste.
Raisins (Optional)
Raisins are a classic addition to rice pudding, adding sweetness and chewiness to each bite. You can omit the raisins or substitute them with other dried fruits if desired.
Enjoy Your Creamy Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding!
This creamy old-fashioned rice pudding is a timeless dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, topped with cinnamon or plain, this pudding is a comforting treat that will transport you back to simpler times. Serve it as a dessert after a family meal or enjoy it as a cozy snack on a chilly evening. However you choose to enjoy it, this rice pudding is sure to be a hit!
