As a child, the idea of rice pudding really repulsed me. Perhaps I had not quite grasped the concept of how delicious custards could be!
One night a few years ago while at the India Grill buffet on Edmonton’s southside, I cautiously tried a tiny bowl of kheer. Mike described it to me as “Indian rice pudding.” After inhaling the two spoonfuls in my bowl, I went up for more. I was hooked.
Everyday Food magazine printed a version of “light” rice pudding which I tried. While I would not describe it as light, it is not as fattening or cholesterol laden as its cousin “regular” rice pudding. It is now a favourite breakfast treat. Or any time treat, really. Most delicious when warmed.
So, how to turn this:
Calrose rice grains. I prefer the creamy starchiness this particular rice lends to the pudding.
into this:
Note, I have modified the recipe slightly so that it is not as “light.” Feel free to experiment.
UN-lightened Rice Pudding
(modified from Everyday Food, serves eight)
- 1 cup Calrose white rice (you could use arborio or regular long-grain as well. adjust cooking time as necessary)
- 6 cups whole milk (skim was used in the original recipe)
- just under 1 cup sugar (I find a full cup too sweet)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon each freshly ground cardamom, grated cinnamon & nutmeg, or to taste
- 1/2 cup golden raisins, plus more for garnish
- In a large pot, combine 5 cups milk and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until rice is tender. With Calrose, this takes around 13 minutes. Be careful that the milk does not scorch.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, vanilla, spices and remaining cup of milk. Pour this mixture into the rice and stir constantly over medium low heat. The mix will thicken after 3-5 minutes.
- Pour mixture into a bowl, stir in raisins and any type of nuts you may desire. Resist eating the soupy mixture right then, for as it thickens it becomes even more heavenly. Refrigerate after mix has cooled.
I have also made this using lavender and honey (too plain) and pistachios and brown sugar (not as good), but always return to this combination.