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Creamy Custard-Style Rice Pudding

Creamy Custard-Style Rice Pudding
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Creamy Custard-Style Rice Pudding is a luscious dessert combining tender Arborio rice with a rich custard base made from whole milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, and vanilla. Smooth, velvety, and easy to prepare, this comforting pudding can be enjoyed warm or chilled and customized with fruits, spices, or nuts to suit any taste or occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped) or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg (for topping or mixing in)
  • Fresh berries or mango chunks (for fruit infusion)
  • Melted chocolate or 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for chocolate twist)
  • Toasted almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts (for garnish)
  • Spices such as cardamom, star anise, or ginger (for exotic flavors)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the Arborio rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Combine the rinsed rice with whole milk and heavy cream in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook until the rice is tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes.
  2. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: While the rice cooks, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until pale and creamy. This forms the custard base that thickens the pudding.
  3. Temper the Egg Mixture: Slowly ladle a small amount of the warm rice and milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This gradual warming prevents the eggs from curdling.
  4. Combine and Cook to Custard: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining rice and cream. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously until the pudding thickens to a creamy custard consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
  5. Cool and Serve: Transfer the pudding to serving dishes. Serve warm or refrigerate to serve chilled. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and flavor.

Notes

  • Use Arborio rice for its high starch content which creates the signature creamy texture.
  • Stir constantly during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even texture.
  • Temper eggs carefully to avoid scrambled bits and achieve smooth custard.
  • Allow pudding to cool and rest for deeper flavors and thicker consistency.
  • Adjust sugar gradually to taste—start with less and add more if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: rice pudding, custard rice pudding, creamy rice pudding, dessert, comfort food, Arborio rice pudding, easy dessert

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/creamy-custard-style-rice-pudding/