Cinnamon Cardamom Rice Pudding is a rich, creamy, and aromatic dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of cinnamon and cardamom with the satisfying texture of slow-cooked rice. This dessert is perfect for a cozy evening or as a sweet finish to any meal. Simple to make and deeply flavorful, this rice pudding will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm and Comforting: The blend of cinnamon and cardamom adds a warm, aromatic flavor that’s perfect for cooler weather.
- Creamy Texture: Slow cooking the rice in milk creates a luxurious, creamy texture that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a homemade dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Arborio rice (or any short-grain rice)
- 4 cups whole milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-5 cardamom pods, lightly crushed (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures a creamier pudding.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer and Stir: Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer the mixture, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Allow the rice to cook slowly, absorbing the milk and spices, until it becomes tender and the pudding thickens. This should take about 35-45 minutes.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Once the rice is fully cooked and the pudding has thickened, remove the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust Consistency: If the pudding is too thick, you can add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency. The pudding will continue to thicken as it cools, so keep that in mind.
- Serve: Serve the rice pudding warm, or let it cool to room temperature. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and any additional toppings you like, such as chopped nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of honey.
Tips and Variations
- Use Different Rice: While Arborio rice creates a creamy texture, you can use other short-grain rice varieties like jasmine or basmati for different flavor profiles.
- Infuse with Saffron: For an extra luxurious touch, add a pinch of saffron threads to the milk while it simmers. This will give the pudding a beautiful golden color and a subtle floral flavor.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the whole milk with coconut milk, almond milk, or another dairy-free alternative. Coconut milk, in particular, adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Storing the Rice Pudding
- Store: Keep the rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding will thicken as it cools, so you may need to stir in a little extra milk when reheating.
- Reheat: To reheat, warm the pudding gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
Cinnamon Cardamom Rice Pudding is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture and aromatic spices make it a comforting treat that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Whether you serve it warm on a chilly evening or chilled for a refreshing treat, this rice pudding is sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection.