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rice pudding

rice pudding

Rice pudding: creamy, comforting dessert lightened-up for healthy eating. Easy recipe, practical and irresistible flavor for all moments.
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Total Time 41 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 190
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup arborio rice can use another short grain rice
  • 4 cup milk skim or vegetable milk for lighter
  • 0.5 cup xylitol or coconut sugar
  • 1 unit cinnamon stick
  • 2 unit lemon peel just the yellow part, strips
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg optional, to taste

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine arborio rice, milk, xylitol (or chosen sweetener), cinnamon stick, lemon peel and a pinch of salt.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently so the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom.
  3. Once it starts to boil, lower the heat and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 30 to 35 minutes until the rice is soft and the pudding is creamy.
  4. Remove from heat. Take out the cinnamon stick and lemon peel. Add vanilla extract and nutmeg, if using, and mix well.
  5. Let it cool slightly. Serve warm or chilled, dusted with a little extra cinnamon if desired.

Notes

Rice pudding is a cherished comfort dessert around the world, known for its creamy texture and ability to please both kids and adults. Its versatility is what makes it shine: you can enjoy it warm on a cozy evening or serve it chilled as a refreshing treat.

Practical Tips for a Creamier Rice Pudding

Stir regularly while cooking – this prevents the rice from sticking and ensures your pudding achieves that coveted creaminess. Using arborio rice is ideal, but any short-grain rice will absorb liquids better and help create a thick, luscious texture.
If you want to keep the recipe lighter, opt for a plant-based milk like almond or oat. Sweetener is flexible; xylitol, coconut sugar, or even a blend of honey and stevia work well, depending on your dietary preferences.

Mastering Texture and Flavor

To avoid a grainy pudding, let the rice cook uncovered and slow simmering. Taste a grain at the end – it should be fully tender but not mushy. Don’t skip the lemon peel: it adds a fresh aromatic note that balances the sweetness beautifully.
If your rice pudding thickens too much after cooling, simply stir in a splash of milk before serving to restore its silky consistency.

Creative Ways to Serve

Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg before serving for an extra fragrant touch. You can also add raisins or chopped dried fruit at the end of cooking for more texture.
Pair with a fruit compote, poached pears, or a drizzle of honey for special occasions. For a decadent twist, experiment with a spoonful of peanut butter or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
Rice pudding keeps well in the fridge for several days—perfect for meal prep or a quick, satisfying dessert throughout the week.