How to Make Rice with Milk

Rice with milk, also known as rice pudding, is a comforting homemade dessert made by slowly cooking rice in sweetened, aromatic milk. It can be served warm or chilled.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 4 cups milk
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 strips of lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith
• 1/2 cup sugar, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Ground cinnamon for serving

Prepare the Rice

Before cooking, choose one of these methods:

• Soak it: Cover the rice with water for 20 to 30 minutes, then drain it well.
• Rinse it: Wash the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water becomes mostly clear, then drain.
• Use cooked rice: Leftover plain rice can be used, although the finished pudding may be thicker and more compact.

Soaked or rinsed uncooked rice generally produces a softer, creamier dessert.

Instructions

1. Place the milk, cinnamon stick, and lemon peel in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat gently until the milk approaches a boil.
2. Add the drained rice and reduce the heat to low or medium-low.
3. Cook for about 50 to 55 minutes, stirring regularly with a wooden spoon so the rice does not stick or burn.
4. Once the grains are tender and the milk has reduced to a creamy consistency, stir in the sugar. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring frequently.
5. If the rice remains firm, continue cooking for about 5 minutes. Add a small amount of milk if the mixture becomes too dry.
6. Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon peel. Stir in the butter until melted and fully incorporated.
7. Let the pudding rest briefly before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Texture Tips

• Keep some liquid in the saucepan when removing it from the heat; the rice will absorb more milk as it rests.
• Stir more frequently near the end of cooking, when scorching becomes more likely.
• For a looser pudding, stir in additional warm milk before serving.
• For a thicker result, allow it to cool completely in the refrigerator.

Serving Ideas and Variations

Sprinkle the finished pudding with ground cinnamon and serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Optional additions include honey, almonds, evaporated milk, apple slices, shredded coconut, or raisins.