Arborio Rice Pudding

Milk, rice and honey — and only just the littlest bit of time and attention — are almost all you need to make one of the great comfort foods, warm rice pudding. Delicious at any time of year, rice pudding is gentle on the stomach with plenty of easy-to-digest nutrition, so it is also good choice to serve to those under the weather.

Thick and plump, unwashed arborio rice has a higher starch content than ordinary rice and creates an especially rich and creamy pudding. If you don't have arborio rice, other short-grained white rices will work as well.

Arborio Rice Pudding

4 cups whole milk
3/4 cup arborio rice
3-inch piece cinnamon stick
pinch of sea salt
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
fresh berries, dried fruit or chopped nuts for serving

Place the milk, rice, cinnamon and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Continue simmering for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan, until the rice is soft and creamy. Stir in the honey and remove from heat.

Stir in the vanilla and remove the cinnamon stick. Pour into bowls, and serve warm garnished with fresh berries, dried fruit or chopped nuts as desired. Serves 4 to 6.

More pudding recipes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Cherry Pudding
Lemon Sponge Pudding
Blueberry Raspberry Pudding Cake

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