Creamy Cardamom Rice Pudding

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (100g) basmati rice 1/2 cup (100g) basmati rice
• 4 cups (946ml) whole milk 4 cups (946ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews) 1 tablespoon chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews)
• 1 tablespoon raisins 1 tablespoon raisins

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 25g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. 2.
   In a large saucepan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the rinsed rice to the boiling milk and reduce the heat to low.
4. 4.
   Simmer the rice in milk, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and the mixture thickens, approximately 30-40 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add sugar and cardamom powder to the rice mixture and stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
6. 6.
   Continue to cook the pudding for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. 7.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and let the pudding cool to room temperature.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours to allow it to set.
9. 9.
   Serve the Creamy Cardamom Rice Pudding chilled, garnished with chopped nuts and raisins.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking to ensure a fluffy texture.
• Cardamom powder — Use freshly ground cardamom powder for the best flavor. Crush the cardamom pods and remove the seeds, then grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the whole milk with condensed milk.
• Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the pudding to plump them up.
• Toast the chopped nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden before garnishing the pudding.
• For a creamier texture, stir the pudding occasionally while it cools to prevent a skin from forming on top.
• Adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding more or less sugar.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Cardamom Rice Pudding chilled in individual bowls or dessert glasses. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped nuts and a few raisins for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle a pinch of edible rose petals or saffron strands on top of the pudding. This adds a touch of vibrant color and a subtle floral aroma.