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Mexican Rice Pudding

Mexican Rice Pudding - Grandma's Tasty Recipes

I first encountered Mexican rice pudding during a family gathering. A cousin brought a pot of it, and the sweet aroma filled our home. I couldn’t resist. As I took my first bite, I was hit with a wave of warmth and nostalgia.
I knew I had to recreate that moment. In this post, I'll share not only how to make this delicious dish but also why it holds such a special place in our cultures.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 239
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup of white basmati rice
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 1/2 cups filtered water
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup superfine sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
Optional garnishes:
  • a sprinkle of ground cardamom, toasted almonds, and golden raisins

Method
 

Step 1: Rinse the Rice
  1. Start by rinsing the rice under cold water. This helps to remove extra starch and keeps the pudding from being too gummy. A quick rinse for 2-3 minutes usually does the trick.
Step 2: Boil the Rice
  1. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, filtered water, and a pinch of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat to simmer and cover. Let it cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender.
Step 3: Add Milk and Sweeten
  1. After 15 minutes, add the whole milk, vanilla extract, and sugar to the rice. Stir it well. This creamy base now starts to transform into a pudding.
Step 4: Infuse the Flavors
  1. Now, toss in the cinnamon sticks. Continue stirring over medium heat until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes another 20 minutes. Don't rush; enjoy the aromatic blend!
Step 5: Final Touches
  1. Once the pudding thickens, remove it from heat. Discard the cinnamon sticks. You can adjust sweetness at this point if needed.
Step 6: Chill or Serve Warm
  1. Depending on your preference, you can serve it warm or chill it in the fridge. It’s delicious either way!

Notes

  • Use Basmati Rice: It has a lovely aroma that makes the pudding delightful.
  • Stir Often: This prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • Experiment with Spices: Cardamom, nutmeg, or even a hint of orange zest can elevate its flavor profile.
  • Adjust Consistency: If it's too thick, add some milk while stirring. If it's too thin, cook longer to thicken.
  • Garnish Wisely: Toppings can make or break the dish. Try different nuts, fruits, or spices for unique flavor bursts.