Scandinavian Rice Pudding
Warm, creamy, and infused with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, Scandinavian Rice Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert that brings a touch of Nordic tradition to your table. This classic dish features tender short-grain white rice simmered in a blend of whole milk and delicate spices, creating a rich, velvety texture that’s perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Sweetened with just the right amount of sugar and finished with a dash of cinnamon, it can be served warm for cozy indulgence or chilled for a refreshing treat. For a traditional twist, hide a whole almond in the pudding—a playful custom that promises good luck to whoever finds it. Pair it with a dollop of lingonberry or raspberry preserves for a harmonious burst of tart sweetness. Easy to make and wonderfully versatile, this Scandinavian favorite is your go-to for a heartwarming dessert embraced across generations.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 200 grams short-grain white rice
- 500 milliliters water
- 1 liter whole milk
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 piece optional almond (whole or slivered)
Instructions
Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring the water to a soft boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer until most of the water is absorbed (about 10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the whole milk to the rice and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently, ensuring the milk does not scald or stick to the bottom of the pan.
Continue to cook the rice, stirring often, for about 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the pudding has thickened to a creamy consistency.
Once the desired consistency is reached, stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and butter. Mix until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
For a traditional Scandinavian touch, you may choose to hide a whole almond in the pudding before serving. This is often done as part of holiday festivities, where the person who finds the almond receives good luck or a small prize!
Serve the rice pudding warm, sprinkled with ground cinnamon on top for garnish. Alternatively, allow it to cool and store in the refrigerator for a chilled version.
Optional: Accompany with a dollop of fruit preserves (such as lingonberry or raspberry) for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1161 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.8 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.8 g | 129% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 157 mg | 52% | |
| Sodium | 1663 mg | 72% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 145.5 g | 53% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 88.0 g | ||
| Protein | 39.0 g | 78% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.4 mcg | 57% | |
| Calcium | 1352 mg | 104% | |
| Iron | 0.7 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 1649 mg | 35% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
