Italian rice pudding is a delightful dessert made with arborio rice, milk, butter, and sugar. This creamy and custardy treat is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make on the stovetop in less than 30 minutes. The smooth, silky texture melts in your mouth, pleasing your taste buds with every bite. Adding chopped nuts, cinnamon, or whipped cream on top makes it even more yummy.

Start Your Day with Italian Pudding Rice: Torta di Riso – A Nutritious and Delicious Breakfast Delight

For breakfast, consider making torta di riso, which uses starchy grains like arborio rice to create a luscious risotto base topped with citrus-flavored custard. This dish is baked in the oven and smells amazing. It’s both nutritious and delicious, making it a perfect start to your day. The eggs and whole milk provide a rich flavor that is hard to resist. Whether for breakfast or as a dessert, this Italian treat is sure to become a favorite.

Tips for Perfect Italian Pudding Rice

Boil the rice in a separate pan to avoid the thick film that can form.

For the best results, use arborio rice, which provides a rich and creamy texture.
If you prefer a darker color, use ground cinnamon instead of sticks, which offer just a hint of flavor.
Slowly cooking the pudding ensures it becomes super-rich and creamy, similar to custard, so don’t rush the process.

You can substitute whole milk with evaporated milk if you prefer or if you have milk that’s about to spoil; this is the perfect way to use it up.
If the pudding becomes too thick, simply add more milk at the end.
For added flavor and texture, include fruits like raisins (both dark and light), craisins, figs, or dates, all cut up.

These tips will help you create a delightful and flavorful Italian pudding rice.

Ingredients

To make Italian rice pudding, you need a few simple ingredients that you can find in any grocery store:

Arborio rice, an Italian short-grain rice also used in pancetta risotto.
Whole milk.

Unsalted butter.
Granulated sugar.
Vanilla extract.

For an extra touch, add cinnamon as a topping. These basics make a quick dessert that satisfies your sweet cravings.

If you enjoy raisins in your pudding:

Soak them in warm water for about 20 minutes before adding them to the mixture.
Make sure to drain them well.

These optional additions can enhance the flavor and texture of your pudding, making it even more delightful. With these ingredients, you can create a delicious and comforting dessert in no time.

How to Make Italian Rice Pudding

To make Italian rice pudding, follow these steps:

You only need one pot “high quality pot i recommended”and a spoon.
Cook it on the stovetop while stirring every few minutes to get that creamy rice pudding texture that everyone loves.
Start by combining all ingredients in a saucepan.

Cook while stirring often for about 20 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and sticks to the spoon.
This arborio rice pudding is very simple to make, just stir it while it cooks on the stovetop. It doesn’t take long to make, just about 20 minutes.

The reason this Italian rice pudding is so creamy is because of the arborio rice. If you have had risotto, it is the same idea, except you add all ingredients into the pot at once. The arborio rice used in this recipe gives the pudding a nice chew which I really love.

Substitutions

If you don’t have arborio rice, you can use any short grain rice for this recipe. However, I highly recommend trying it with arborio rice if possible, as it gives the pudding a creamy texture that is hard to beat. Using the right type of rice can make a big difference in the final result, so give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness of authentic Italian rice pudding.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories :395.2
Fat :20.1 g
Carbs :46.1 g
Protein :11 g

Arborio Rice Pudding Cooking Tips

To achieve creamy rice pudding, cook it until it coats the back of the spoon and the rice is tender. Remember, the pudding will continue to thicken as it cools. If you are a fan of raisins, you can add them at the end of the cooking process for extra flavor. This simple tip ensures your pudding is always delicious and has the perfect texture.

Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

Making homemade rice pudding from scratch requires a bit of patience, but the result is worth it. I’ve tried baking and using an instant pot version, but I always return to the old fashioned stovetop method for the best rice pudding. My grandma’s recipe is my go-to, though I sometimes improvise by using ground cinnamon instead of sticks. The biggest difference is the stronger cinnamon flavor you get with the ground style, whereas using a cinnamon stick “Using cinnamon sticks gave my pudding a subtle, aromatic hint of cinnamon.” gives a whiter pudding with just a hint of flavor.

Whether you follow the traditional way or add your twist, this method brings out the best in Italian rice pudding. The stovetop approach delivers a comforting, creamy texture that can’t be beaten. Experiment with the ground cinnamon “Sprinkling ground cinnamon on top added a delightful warmth and spice.” or cinnamon stick to find your favorite version and enjoy this timeless dessert.

How to Serve Rice Pudding

Rice pudding can be served cold or warm, depending on your preference. For Italian rice pudding, if you prefer it warm, allow it to cool for a few minutes after taking it off the stovetop. Serving in individual ramekins can make it feel extra special, similar to how you might serve cinnamon panna cotta or Amaretto tiramisu. Alternatively, you can use a large container and scoop portions into individual bowls when serving.

Don’t forget to top your rice pudding with a little cinnamon before eating to enhance its flavor. This simple addition can elevate the dish, making each bite delightful. Whether cold or warm, Italian rice pudding is a versatile dessert that can be customized to your taste. If you’re looking for the perfect appetizer to pair with this, consider using the best bread for bruschetta to complement your meal.

How to Store Rice Pudding

To keep your Italian rice pudding fresh, it is best stored in the fridge for no more than 2-3 days. When storing the pudding, use plastic wrap and make sure it touches the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming on the top. This simple step ensures your dessert stays creamy and delicious.

Faqs

What is Italian Pudding Made Of?

Budino is a classic Italian pudding that is more than just a simple dessert. It is made from milk and egg custard, thickened with cornstarch. While similar to American puddings and custards, budino has a richer and eggier texture, much like Mexican flan. This unique combination makes budino a delicious and creamy treat that stands out from other puddings.

Is Arborio Rice the Same as Pudding Rice?

Pudding rice and arborio rice are both types of short-grain and starchy rice commonly used in desserts. While much of the rice sold as pudding rice comes from Italy, the main difference lies in the texture. Arborio rice tends to remain slightly firm in the centre even when cooked, which can be important for the texture of dishes like cake. This unique characteristic makes arborio rice a preferred choice for recipes that require a firmer bite.

Is Paella Rice the Same as Pudding Rice?

Pudding rice and risotto rice are both types of short-grain rice that cook down nicely in a pudding. However, paella rice will give you a slightly different result. While it might still be fine for making pudding, it won’t have the same texture as pudding rice. I’ve found that using a recipe like the Delia recipe I’ve used before works best for achieving the desired consistency.

Italian Pudding Rice: The Breakfast You’ve Been Missing!