Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding: Creamy Comfort in Every Spoonful
Rice pudding is a timeless dessert that brings instant comfort—warm, creamy, and gently sweet. It’s the kind of dish many remember from childhood, often made by a grandmother on a cool afternoon. This old-fashioned rice pudding recipe captures that nostalgic flavor using simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients (4–6 servings):
1 cup long-grain white rice, 4 cups whole milk, ½ cup sugar, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ¼ tsp salt, cinnamon for garnish, and ½ cup raisins (optional).
Method:
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a saucepan, combine the rice, 2 cups of milk, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the milk is absorbed (about 15–20 minutes).
Add the sugar and butter, stirring until melted and well combined. Pour in the remaining milk and continue cooking on low heat, stirring often, until the pudding thickens to your preferred consistency (10–15 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. If desired, fold in raisins for added sweetness and texture.
Serving Tips:
Serve warm for a cozy dessert or chill for a creamy, refreshing treat. Sprinkle with cinnamon before serving. For thinner pudding, add extra milk; for thicker, cook a few minutes longer.
Creamy, simple, and deeply comforting, this classic rice pudding is a reminder that the best recipes are often the most traditional—bringing warmth and nostalgia with every spoonful.