Description
This Creamy Rice Pudding with Orange offers a comforting yet refreshingly vibrant dessert that combines the classic velvety texture of slow-cooked Arborio rice with bright, tangy fresh orange zest and juice. Perfect for cozy nights or light summer meals, this easy-to-make pudding features a luscious creaminess balanced with citrusy freshness that appeals to the whole family.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 oranges (bright orange part only, no pith)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Begin by zesting and juicing the oranges, ensuring you only use the bright orange part of the peel and avoid the bitter white pith. Measure out the Arborio rice, milk, cream, and sugar so everything is ready for the cooking process.
- Cook the rice: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the Arborio rice with whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cinnamon stick if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Add the orange zest and juice: Once the rice is partially cooked and has absorbed some liquid (about 15 to 20 minutes), add the fresh orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well to incorporate the citrus flavors thoroughly into the creamy base.
- Simmer until creamy: Continue to simmer the rice pudding gently, stirring often until the rice is completely tender and the mixture is thick and creamy, typically around 25 to 30 minutes total. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
- Cool and serve: Transfer the pudding to bowls or ramekins and let it cool slightly. The pudding can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Garnish as desired before serving.
Notes
- Use Arborio rice for its high starch content, which creates the signature creamy texture.
- Stir regularly to prevent the rice from sticking and to develop an even, smooth consistency.
- Balance the citrus by using both fresh orange zest and juice for aroma and brightness.
- Cook on low heat to prevent curdling and promote creaminess.
- Taste the pudding near the end and adjust sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
- Keep stirring after adding orange to help citrus infuse evenly and prevent curdling.
- Optional variations include vegan substitutions, adding spices like cardamom or nutmeg, topping with nuts, mixing in dried or fresh fruits, or adding chocolate for decadence.
- Leftovers keep for up to 3 days refrigerated and can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheat gently and add milk or cream if needed to loosen texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg