Rinse the Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
Combine Ingredients:
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, and salt.
Cook Rice:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Add Flavorings:
Once the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened, stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and butter. Mix well.
Optional Raisins:
If you’re using raisins, add them to the pudding at this point. Stir until they are evenly distributed.
Continue Cooking:
Continue to cook the pudding for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. The pudding will thicken further as it cools.
Serve Warm or Cold:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice pudding cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Garnish (Optional):
Sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top for garnish before serving.
Variations
Rice pudding is a versatile dessert that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For a richer version, replace some of the milk with heavy cream or coconut milk, which adds a luxurious texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar, to give the pudding a unique twist. Adding citrus zest, like orange or lemon, can introduce a refreshing, tangy note that balances the sweetness.
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