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Italian rice pudding is the ultimate creamy dessert made with arborio rice, milk, butter, and sugar. It’s a comforting Italian treat that can be enjoyed all year round. With its simple stovetop preparation, this rice pudding recipe can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. If you’re a fan of rice pudding, you absolutely have to give this arborio rice pudding a try. We promise, it won’t disappoint!
Italian rice pudding is particularly popular during the colder months when you crave something warm and comforting. However, it also makes a delightful dessert for any occasion throughout the year.
When it comes to comforting Italian desserts, this Italian arborio rice pudding, along with my Italian lemon ricotta cake and Italian brownies, are my go-to options. Prepare to indulge in pure deliciousness.
Not only is this arborio rice pudding delicious, but it’s also a great dessert to share with friends and family during the holidays. It can even be made ahead of time, making entertaining a breeze. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it all to yourself throughout the week, this Italian rice pudding is sure to please.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this Italian rice pudding are simple and easily accessible. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Arborio rice: This Italian short grain rice can be found in any grocery store.
- Whole milk
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Optional: Cinnamon for topping
These basic ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making this rice pudding recipe a convenient go-to when you’re craving something sweet.
TIP: If you’re a fan of raisins in your rice pudding, feel free to add them. Soak the raisins in warm water for about 20 minutes, then drain them before incorporating them into the recipe.
How to Make Italian Rice Pudding
Making this Italian rice pudding is a breeze. All you need is one pot and a spoon to prepare it on the stovetop. The key to achieving that creamy rice pudding texture is to stir it every few minutes.
This arborio rice pudding recipe is incredibly straightforward. Simply stir the mixture while it cooks on the stovetop for approximately 20 minutes. The result is a creamy and delicious rice pudding that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
The secret to the creaminess of this Italian rice pudding lies in the arborio rice. If you’ve ever had risotto, it’s a similar concept, but with all the ingredients added simultaneously.
The arborio rice used in this recipe gives the rice pudding a delightful chewiness that enhances the overall experience.
Cooking tip for arborio rice pudding: To achieve an extra creamy texture, cook the rice pudding until it coats the back of the spoon and the rice is tender. Remember, the pudding will continue to thicken as it cools.
How to Serve Rice Pudding
Traditionally, rice pudding is served cold, but it’s entirely up to your personal preference. If you prefer it warm, allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the stovetop.
I enjoy serving this Italian rice pudding in individual ramekins. However, you can also pour the rice pudding into a large container and scoop it into individual bowls when serving.
Don’t forget to sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of the rice pudding before digging in!
Substitutions
If you don’t have arborio rice, feel free to use any short grain rice available. However, I highly recommend trying it with arborio rice if you can.
Variations
While I prefer this arborio rice pudding without raisins, with cinnamon and vanilla, there are several ways you can switch it up:
- Add lemon: Incorporate the zest of one lemon for a subtle citrus flavor in your rice pudding.
- Add raisins: If you enjoy rice pudding with raisins, add approximately ½ cup of soaked raisins.
- Egg yolks: For extra creaminess, you can mix in 2 egg yolks. However, allow the rice pudding to cool slightly before adding them.
How to Store Rice Pudding
I find that Italian rice pudding is best when stored in the fridge for no more than 2-3 days. To prevent a skin from forming on top, cover the rice pudding with plastic wrap, ensuring it makes direct contact with the surface.
Conclusion
Italian rice pudding is a delightful dessert that satisfies those sweet cravings. Its creamy texture and comforting flavors make it a must-try recipe. If you’re in the mood for a delicious treat, whip up this arborio rice pudding. Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, it’s sure to become a favorite.
If you’re looking for even more fantastic recipes like this, head over to Ratingperson for a wide variety of mouthwatering options.
Pairing
To complement this Italian rice pudding, here are a few dishes I love to serve alongside:
- [Insert pairing dishes here]
