The rice pudding is much more than just a dessert: it is a dish filled with history, nostalgia, and tradition that has remained alive in various cultures over the centuries. Although today we strongly associate it with Mexican and Latin American cuisine, its roots go back to Arab and Spanish cooking, where sweet preparations based on rice and milk were already being made in the Middle Ages. With the arrival of the Spanish in the Americas, this dessert traveled and adapted, merging with local ingredients until it became the favorite of entire generations.
Its creamy texture, the comforting aroma of cinnamon, and the balanced sweet flavor make it an ideal dish both for sharing with family and for enjoying in moments of intimacy. Beyond the culinary aspect, rice pudding is also a symbol of home, togetherness, and tradition, a reminder that the simplest recipes are often the most memorable.
In this article you will learn how to prepare a classic rice pudding with all its charm, discover its main variations, explore its health benefits, and have at your disposal a complete sheet with times, servings, nutritional values, and practical tips so that your recipe turns out perfect and well optimized.
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Rice Pudding Recipe: A Comforting Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 cup of short-grain rice
- 2 cups of water
- 4 cups of whole milk
- ½ cup of sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Peel of 1 lemon or orange
- Ground cinnamon to taste
- Raisins optional
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Rinse the rice: place 1 cup of short-grain rice in a strainer and rinse it under running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming too sticky.
- First cooking: in a large pot, boil 2 cups of water with 1 cinnamon stick. Add the rice and cook over medium heat until the water is almost completely absorbed (10-12 minutes).
- Add the milk: pour in 4 cups of whole milk (or a mix of whole and evaporated milk). Stir constantly to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Sweeten: add ½ cup of sugar (adjust to taste). If you use condensed milk, you can reduce the amount of sugar.
- Flavor: add the peel of 1 lemon or orange and continue stirring gently over low heat. Cook for 20-30 minutes until you get a creamy consistency.
- Finish: remove the lemon peel and the cinnamon stick. Serve in cups or deep plates, sprinkle with ground cinnamon, and if desired, garnish with raisins.
Vidéo
Nutrition
Variations of Rice Pudding
- Version without condensed milk: ideal for those looking for a lighter option, using only whole milk or plant-based milk.
- Version without evaporated milk: puedes usar leche común o bebidas como coco, almendra o avena, que aportan sabores diferentes.
- Vegan Rice Pudding: replace the milk with coconut or almond drink and the sugar with natural sweeteners such as agave syrup.
- Colombian style: add cloves and condensed milk for a sweeter, spiced version.
- Spanish style: it is flavored with cinnamon and lemon peel, and is often served cold as a summer dessert.
- Mexican style: it usually includes condensed milk, raisins, and cinnamon, and is served both hot and cold.
Health Benefits of Rice Pudding
Rice pudding, although considered a dessert, can provide interesting nutritional benefits when consumed in moderation. Short-grain rice, the main base of the recipe, is a complex carbohydrate that releases energy gradually, avoiding sharp spikes in blood sugar and offering prolonged satiety. This makes it a useful food to regain energy after physical activity or as part of a balanced meal.
Milk, an essential component of the dish, provides calcium, vitamin D, and high-quality proteins. These nutrients strengthen bones and teeth and help in the regeneration of muscle tissues. In addition, the calcium in milk is highly bioavailable, which means that the body absorbs it more efficiently than that of other foods. For those who choose plant-based versions, calcium- and vitamin B12-fortified milks remain a healthy alternative.
Cinnamon, an indispensable ingredient in rice pudding, is more than just a simple flavoring. Studies have shown that it contains antioxidants and compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar. Thus, a traditional dessert becomes an option that not only comforts the soul but also offers real health benefits when prepared with balance and accompanied by a varied diet.
A meta-analysis published in Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome (BioMed Central, 2023) found that cinnamon can significantly reduce fasting glucose and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes.
🔗 Effect of Cinnamon on Glycemic Control – DMS Journal
History of Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is a dessert with centuries of history and a clear example of how gastronomy travels and evolves across cultures. Its most remote roots are found in medieval Arab cuisine, where sweet desserts made with rice, milk, and spices were already prepared. These became popular in the Iberian Peninsula during the Arab occupation, and from there they became part of Spanish tradition. With colonization, rice pudding crossed the Atlantic and took root in the Americas, adapting to local ingredients and becoming a fundamental part of the pastry traditions of several countries.
In Spain, rice pudding is associated with religious celebrations and festivities. In Asturias, for example, it is prepared with slow cooking, plenty of cinnamon, and often the sugar on top is caramelized, similar to a crema catalana. This variation is served especially during Holy Week and at family events, consolidating its place as a festive and homely dessert.
In Latin America, rice pudding acquired its own identity. In Mexico it is served hot or cold and usually includes condensed milk and raisins. In Colombia and Venezuela it becomes a typical Christmas dish, while in Peru it is combined with mazamorra morada to create a two-colored dessert with contrasting flavors. This diversity shows that rice pudding is a versatile and universal dessert that connects stories of migration, cultural blending, and shared traditions around the table.
According to a report by El País (2025), rice pudding does not have an exclusively Asturian origin, but rather its roots go back to the cuisine of the Indus Valley and the Hispano-Muslim influence that brought it to Spain before spreading to the Americas. 🔗 El País – Origin of Rice Pudding
Answers ans Questions
Can I use leftover rice to make rice pudding?
The Mahatma Rice website highlights that it is indeed possible to use cooked rice, although it is recommended to adjust the liquid proportions because the texture changes if it has already released part of its starch.
What type of rice is best to use to achieve the ideal creamy consistency?
According to USA Rice, medium- or short-grain rice is more suitable for creamy desserts like rice pudding, as it releases more starch and allows for that characteristic texture.
Should I rinse the rice before making rice pudding?
Some cooks recommend rinsing the rice to remove excess starch and impurities, which helps prevent the final result from becoming too thick or gummy.
✅ Conclusion
Rice pudding is a dessert that has transcended borders and generations thanks to its simplicity and comforting flavor. Its ancient history, multiple variations, and benefits when enjoyed in moderation make it a timeless classic. Preparing it at home is not only a culinary experience but also a cultural journey that connects tradition, family, and health.
