Written by: Nicole Majewski
Edited by: Jana Daniels
Designed by: Suhana Shaik
Published by: Andrew Jackson
For most people, finishing a main course at their favourite restaurant only means one thing; dessert! A towering slice of chocolate fudge cake, a fancy crème brûlée, maybe even a velvety cheesecake. But for me? The moment I set my fork down at a buffet, I have one mission and one mission only—rice pudding. That probably sounds silly, especially if the name makes you think Thanksgiving, or even more so if you’ve never heard of it at all. I can relate to that, because I spent most of my life blissfully unaware of this hidden gem. Today I’d like to help prevent you from making the same mistake. Trust me, once you try this perfect treat once, there’s no going back.
So, what is rice pudding?
Rice pudding is exactly what it sounds like—a rice-based pudding. But don’t let its simplicity fool you—rice pudding is more than just a dessert. It’s a powerful comfort food, but that doesn’t really describe the depth of its uniqueness. It’s more like the culinary equivalent of a warm hug after a long day.
This creamy delight, while only requiring a few everyday ingredients—rice and milk—is often further elevated through the addition of sugar, eggs, raisins, nuts, berries, and spices. But at its core, it’s a dish defined by its luscious creaminess and delicate sweetness. Each spoonful is a velvety embrace of subtle grains suspended in rich, silky warmth. It’s thick, indulgent, and irresistibly smooth—the kind of dessert that melts on your tongue in seconds yet lingers in your memory for days after.
Where did rice pudding come from?
Rice pudding’s origins are as rich as its texture, though its exact birthplace remains a mystery. India and the Middle East are often credited, but only one thing is certain—this dish has traveled across centuries and continents, picking up new traditions and variations across the world.
Its earliest traces appear in ancient medical texts, where it was valued as a nourishing grain pottage. Over time, this humble dish evolved, first into a rice dish and gradually inching closer to the pudding we know today. By the 17th century, it had taken on a porridge-like consistency, and by the 19th century, it had begun to incorporate gelatin, whipped cream, and almonds under the French name “riz à l’amande”.
Today, it remains a global culinary phenomenon, with each country adding its own signature twist. In Latin America, it’s known as “arroz con leche”, and is infused with cinnamon and citrus zest. In India, it takes the form of “kheer”, simmered with cardamom and nuts. From Scandinavia to the Middle East, every culture has a version of this timeless dessert—proof of its universal appeal despite how often it’s overlooked in the West.
Sounds great, how can I make my own?
Alright, brace yourself. You’re going to need to embark on a serious grocery haul for this one. Pen and paper in hand? Here’s what you need:
- Rice.
- Milk.
That’s it. Seriously. And then all you have to do is mix them together.
Of course, you’ll probably want to add some water, sugar, maybe a dash of vanilla or a swirl of honey, but that’s the gist of it. At its core, rice pudding is a lesson in simplicity. You could walk into your kitchen right now and start making it.
Try it yourself: 5-star recipes
While anyone can make this dish, a little guidance can also be a great way to spark some inspiration. Here are four top-rated recipes, each with its own methods of perfecting this classic dish:
1. Foodiecrush.com Rice Pudding Recipe
This six-ingredient recipe keeps things simple but flavorful, using jasmine rice, whole milk, sugar, kosher salt, vanilla bean (or extract), cinnamon, and nutmeg—plus optional raisins. A heavy-bottom saucepan is recommended to achieve that creamy consistency. This recipe also offers some great topping suggestions, such as salted caramel, toasted coconut, spiced apple, and many other options..
2. The Mediterranean Dish Rice Pudding Recipe
This recipe particularly touches on milk experimentation, detailing a unique milk flavouring process that further accents the pudding’s flavour. It also suggests numerous different milk combinations, notably recommending a combination of whole milk and half-and-half for added richness. It also incorporates cinnamon sticks and whole cloves for a gentle touch of spice, as well as unsalted butter for extra smoothness. Recommended toppings include crushed pistachios and honey. I like this recipe because it details a unique milk flavouring process, which further accents the flavours of the pudding!
3. RICARDO Rice Pudding Recipe
While this recipe doesn’t detail the preparation process as thoroughly as the previous ones, there really isn’t much that needs detailing. All you’ll need to do is boil the milk and Arborio rice for half an hour, then combine sugar, cornstarch, 35% cream, and vanilla extract, and finally, wait for it to cool. Perfect for those who prefer a silky-smooth finish with minimal effort!
5. Spend With Pennies Rice Pudding Recipe
This syrupy recipe leans toward the custard side, using eggs and sweetened milk to create a thicker, more decadent pudding. It also suggests an array of spices—including cardamom, allspice, and pumpkin pie spice—for extra depth.
Now it’s your turn!
Now that you know the history, the magic, and the ridiculously simple recipe, it’s time to grab a pot and create your own bowl of creamy solace. Whether you stick to the basics or experiment with your own flavours, one thing’s for sure—once you taste this under-appreciated treasure, dessert will never be the same.
Image References:
References:
- Found via links in Blog Post