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- 1 cup Arborio rice - 4 cups whole milk - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup raisins - Zest of 1 lemon - Chopped nuts (like pistachios or almonds) - Large saucepan - Measuring cups and spoons - Stirring spoon The main ingredients create a creamy base. Arborio rice gives the pudding its unique texture. Whole milk adds richness, while sweetened condensed milk brings sweetness. You can adjust sweetness using granulated sugar. Optional ingredients like raisins and lemon zest add flavor and brightness. Chopped nuts make for a tasty garnish. For the tools, a large saucepan is key. You need measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. A stirring spoon helps keep everything smooth. With these ingredients and tools, you're ready to whip up a delightful dish that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, rinse the Arborio rice under cold water. This step is key! Rinsing helps remove extra starch. Too much starch can make the pudding thick and gummy. You want a creamy and smooth texture. Next, combine the rinsed rice and whole milk in a large saucepan. Stir well to mix. Place the pan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep an eye on it! Stir often to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. Once it simmers, lower the heat to low. Let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir frequently until the rice is tender and creamy. Now, stir in the sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until the sugar dissolves. If you like, add raisins and lemon zest. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes. Stir often until the pudding thickens to your liking. Remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. It will thicken more as it cools. Serve it warm or chilled in bowls. Top with chopped nuts for some crunch and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you wish. To keep your rice pudding from getting too thick, rinse the Arborio rice well. This step removes extra starch. Starch can cause your pudding to clump. Start with cold water until it runs clear. Adjusting the sweetness is easy. You can use less sugar if you prefer a lighter taste. The sweetened condensed milk adds a lot of sweetness already. Taste as you go, and make it just right for you. You can try different spices and extracts to boost flavor. A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth. You might like a splash of almond extract for a new twist. Consider adding lemon zest for a bright note. Fresh ginger can bring a nice kick. Feel free to experiment with what you enjoy most. Topping your rice pudding with nuts adds crunch. Chopped pistachios or almonds work great. They contrast nicely with the creamy texture. Fresh fruit can also brighten your dish. Berries or sliced bananas add color and flavor. You could drizzle some fruit sauce over the top too. It makes each bowl even more special! Pro Tips Rinse the Rice: Rinsing Arborio rice helps to remove excess starch, resulting in a creamier and less gummy pudding. Consistency Control: Adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired pudding thickness; cooking longer will result in a thicker pudding. Sweetness Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of granulated sugar based on your sweetness preference, especially if using sweetened condensed milk. Chill Before Serving: Let the pudding cool for a few minutes before serving; it will thicken further as it cools and will enhance the flavor. {{image_2}} You can make a dairy-free rice pudding by using coconut milk or almond milk. Both options give a creamy texture without dairy. Just replace the whole milk with an equal amount of your choice. Coconut milk adds a lovely tropical flavor, while almond milk keeps it light and nutty. You can create fun twists on this classic dish. For a chocolate rice pudding, stir in cocoa powder or melted chocolate before serving. This adds a rich, sweet touch. If you prefer tropical flavors, add diced mango or pineapple for a bright, fruity taste. Both options make your pudding unique and exciting. Rice pudding can be enjoyed warm or chilled. Warm pudding feels cozy, while chilled pudding is refreshing on hot days. You can serve it in individual bowls for a personal touch or present it on a large platter for sharing. Both styles make this dessert fun and inviting! To store leftover rice pudding, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you want to enjoy it again, just remember to check for any signs of spoilage. Can you freeze rice pudding? Yes, you can freeze rice pudding! It freezes well and keeps its flavor. Best practices for freezing and thawing: First, let the pudding cool completely. Then, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top because it will expand. Seal it tightly. Rice pudding can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. This helps keep the texture smooth. Best methods for reheating: The best way to reheat rice pudding is on the stove. Place it in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can add a splash of milk to help it soften again. Maintaining texture and flavor: Avoid using high heat. This can make the pudding thick and lumpy. If you want to use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir between each burst to keep it creamy. Enjoy your warm, creamy treat! Condensed milk rice pudding can last about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out or absorbing other smells from the fridge. It’s best to let it cool before placing it in the fridge. Yes, you can make this rice pudding ahead of time. Simply prepare the pudding as instructed and let it cool completely. Then, store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Serve it warm or chilled, depending on your taste. If you can’t find Arborio rice, you can use short-grain rice as a substitute. This type of rice has a similar starch content and will give you a creamy texture. You can also try medium-grain rice, but avoid long-grain rice as it won't yield the same results. Adjust cooking times as needed for different rice types. In this blog post, I discussed making delicious rice pudding with ingredients like Arborio rice, whole milk, and sweetened condensed milk. You learned step-by-step instructions, useful tips, and tricks for the perfect texture and flavor. I also shared variations for different diets and preferences. Remember, this dish is easy to customize and fun to make. Enjoy your rice pudding warm or chilled, topped with your favorite garnishes. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can create a comforting treat everyone will love.

Creamy Condensed Milk Rice Pudding

A rich and creamy rice pudding made with Arborio rice and sweetened condensed milk, perfect for dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 zest lemon
  • to taste optional chopped nuts

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the Arborio rice under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the pudding from getting too thick.
  • In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and whole milk. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  • Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and allow the rice to cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy.
  • Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and the pudding is smooth.
  • If using, add the raisins and lemon zest. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pudding has thickened to your desired consistency.
  • Remove from heat and let the pudding cool for a few minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Serve warm or chilled in individual bowls. Garnish with chopped nuts for added texture and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Notes

Adjust sugar based on sweetness preference. Garnish with nuts for added texture.
Keyword creamy, dessert, rice pudding