Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust according to your sweetness preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: Raisins, nutmeg, or a cinnamon stick for extra flavor
Instructions:
- Rinse the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. If you’re using any optional ingredients like raisins or a cinnamon stick, add them now.
- Bring to a Simmer:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Simmer and Cook:
- Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top.
- Cook Until Rice is Tender:
- Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened to your liking. Keep in mind that it will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve Warm or Chilled:
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. You can serve it warm, or refrigerate it for a few hours to serve it chilled. If you refrigerate it, you might want to stir it before serving as it can thicken further.
- Optional Garnish:
- Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Enjoy this classic rice pudding, and let the nostalgic flavors take you back to simpler times!
