Description
Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange is a comforting and luscious dessert that combines the rich, velvety texture of classic rice pudding with the bright, fresh zest and juice of orange. Perfect served warm or chilled, this easy-to-make treat offers a delightful balance of sweet and citrus flavors, ideal for any occasion from cozy family nights to elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup short-grain rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 large orange
- Juice of 1 large orange (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Gather all ingredients and zest the oranges first. Measure out the rice, milk, sugar, and butter so everything is set and ready before cooking begins.
- Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the short-grain rice with 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently until the rice is tender and most of the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- Add milk and simmer: Stir in the whole milk and granulated sugar. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking or burning. Simmer until the mixture thickens and most of the milk is absorbed into the rice, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Incorporate orange and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the butter, fresh orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract to infuse the pudding with a bright, aromatic flavor.
- Chill or serve warm: You can serve the pudding immediately while warm for a comforting experience, or cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to enjoy a refreshing cold dessert.
Notes
- Use short-grain rice to ensure a creamy pudding texture; avoid long-grain rice.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pudding from sticking or burning at the bottom.
- Fresh orange zest is preferred for the best citrus aroma and flavor.
- Adjust sweetness after cooking by tasting and adding more sugar if needed.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
- Variations include adding warm spices, nuts, dried fruits, or an orange liqueur like Grand Marnier.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: rice pudding, orange, creamy dessert, citrus dessert, comfort food, easy dessert, gluten free dessert