What makes a warm bowl of rice pudding so comforting? This homemade family favorite recipe uses simple ingredients like creamy milk and fragrant cinnamon to create a quick and easy weeknight dessert. Save this idea for a cozy night in.

mom’s old fashioned rice pudding recipe

Introduction

This classic dessert is a staple of comfort food, evoking memories of warm evenings and homemade love. Mom’s old fashioned rice pudding recipe is a masterclass in simplicity, requiring just a handful of everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s both creamy and comforting. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this pudding is sure to become a favorite in your household, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a great way to get creative with minimal effort, and the result is well worth the wait.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of rice, milk, sugar, and spices creates a deliciously balanced flavor profile that’s easy to achieve with commonly found ingredients.
• Ease of preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep work and cooking time, making it perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the end result is a rich and creamy pudding that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in mom’s old fashioned rice pudding recipe include uncooked white rice, whole milk, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. You can also add raisins or other dried fruits for extra flavor and texture. For a creamier pudding, you can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half. Additionally, you can use different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, to make the recipe more accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by rinsing the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and draining well. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, milk, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Step 2: Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the ground cinnamon and any desired raisins or dried fruits. Let the pudding cool slightly before serving.
4. Step 4: Serve the pudding warm or chilled, depending on your preference. You can also top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, or a spoonful of your favorite jam or preserves.

Handy Tips

• Use short-grain rice, such as Arborio or Calrose, for the best results. This type of rice holds its shape well and creates a creamy texture.
• Don’t overcook the pudding, as it can become too thick and sticky. Stir constantly during the cooking process to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Experiment with different spices and flavorings, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or vanilla, to create unique variations of the recipe.

Heat Control

When cooking the pudding, it’s essential to control the heat to prevent the milk from scorching or the rice from becoming too sticky. Medium heat is ideal for bringing the mixture to a boil, while low heat is best for simmering and cooking the rice. Stir constantly during the cooking process to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Crunch Factor

The texture of the pudding should be creamy and smooth, with a slight crunch from the cooked rice. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can add some toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, to the pudding before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the milk from scorching and to distribute the heat evenly.
• Don’t overmix the pudding, as it can become too thick and sticky. Stop stirring once the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
• Let the pudding cool slightly before serving, as it will thicken and set as it cools.

Storage Tips

• Store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the pudding gently over low heat, stirring constantly, until warmed through.
• Freeze the pudding for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat as needed.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This pudding is a great gift idea for friends and family, especially during the holiday season. Package the pudding in decorative jars or containers, and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also add a few raisins or dried fruits to the pudding for extra flavor and texture. Wrap the jars in decorative paper or fabric, and add a gift tag or card with the recipe and serving instructions.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding different spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger, to create unique flavor variations.
• Use different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, to make the recipe more accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
• Add some toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, to the pudding for extra crunch and texture.

Troubleshooting

• If the pudding becomes too thick, try stirring in a little more milk or cream to thin it out.
• If the pudding is too sticky, try cooking it for a few more minutes to absorb excess liquid.
• If the pudding doesn’t set, try refrigerating it for a few hours to allow it to chill and thicken.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the pudding for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat as needed.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of pudding. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook in a larger saucepan.

Conclusion

Mom’s old fashioned rice pudding recipe is a classic dessert that’s sure to become a staple in your household. With its creamy texture, delicious flavor, and ease of preparation, this pudding is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a great way to get creative with minimal effort, and the result is well worth the wait. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of this classic dessert.