Cardamom Rice Pudding is a rich and creamy dessert infused with the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom. This classic comfort food is easy to make and is sure to impress with its delicate spice and smooth texture. Here’s how to make it from scratch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup arborio rice (or any short-grain rice)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or chopped nuts (such as almonds or pistachios)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
2. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
3. Make the Pudding Base: In a separate large saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, cardamom, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
4. Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked rice to the milk mixture. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes, or until the pudding thickens and the rice is very tender.
5. Add Optional Ingredients: If using raisins or nuts, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the pudding from the heat and let it cool slightly. The pudding will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Tips for Success
- Stir Frequently: To prevent the rice pudding from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure an even consistency, stir frequently during the simmering process.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the pudding towards the end of cooking and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Texture: If the pudding becomes too thick after cooling, you can stir in a little more milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.