January 28, 2010

Simple Stove-Top Rice Pudding

As a kid in South America, I ate my share of arroz con leche (rice pudding). This version, however, is the best I've ever tasted. I recommend making the cinnamon-and-dried-fruit variation by adding 1/2 cup raisins and 1 teaspoon cinnamon along with the vanilla at the end.

1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup medium- or long-grain rice
2-1/2 cups whole milk
2-1/2 cups half-and-half
2/3 cup granulated sugar (may substitute brown sugar)
1-1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract

1. Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (at least 3 quarts) or small soup kettle (4 to 5 quarts). Stir in salt and rice; cover and simmer over low heat, stirring once or twice until water is almost fully absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Add milk, half-and-half, and sugar. Increase heat to medium-high to bring to simmer, then reduce heat to maintain simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until mixture starts to thicken, about 30 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and scorching, until a spoon is just able to stand up in the pudding, about 15 minutes longer.

3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Cool and serve at room temperature or chilled. (Can be covered with plastic wrap on surface of pudding and then refrigerated up to 2 days.)

From The Best Recipe

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