Riz au Lait (Rice Pudding) with Vanilla and Fruit Recipe
Introduction
Riz au lait, or rice pudding, is a classic French dessert that’s creamy, comforting, and simple to make. This recipe uses full milk and vanilla extract to create a smooth texture and delicate flavor. It’s perfect served warm or chilled with fresh fruit.
Ingredients
- 1 litre of full milk (4 cups)
- 100 g of round rice or short-grained rice
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of fresh nutmeg or cinnamon
- Any fruit such as berries or pieces of mango (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, bring the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to a boil over medium heat.
- Step 2: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the rice.
- Step 3: Cook the rice gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: When the rice is tender and creamy, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in the pinch of salt and nutmeg or cinnamon, then add any optional fruit if using.
- Step 6: Serve the rice pudding warm or chilled, according to your preference.
Tips & Variations
- Using short-grain rice gives a creamier texture compared to long-grain varieties.
- Add a splash of cream for extra richness if desired.
- Try different spices like cardamom or star anise for a unique twist.
- Sweeten with honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different flavor.
- Top with toasted nuts or shredded coconut for added texture.
Storage
Store leftover rice pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk if it has thickened too much. It also tastes delicious served cold straight from the fridge.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for riz au lait?
Round or short-grain rice is best because it becomes soft and creamy when cooked. Long-grain rice won’t produce the same texture but can be used in a pinch.
How can I make this dessert vegan?
Substitute the full milk with plant-based alternatives like almond, coconut, or oat milk, and use maple syrup or another vegan sweetener in place of sugar if desired.
PrintRiz au Lait (Rice Pudding) with Vanilla and Fruit Recipe
A classic French rice pudding, Riz au lait is a creamy and comforting dessert made by slowly simmering rice in sweetened milk infused with vanilla, finished with a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon, and optionally served with fresh fruit for added freshness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Milk Mixture
- 1 litre full milk (4 cups)
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- pinch of fresh nutmeg or cinnamon
Rice
- 100 g round or short-grained rice
Optional
- Any fruit such as berries, pieces of mango, etc.
Instructions
- Boil the Milk: In a large saucepan, combine the full milk, sugar, and vanilla extract and bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar fully.
- Add the Rice: Once the milk reaches boiling temperature, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the rice gently.
- Simmer the Rice: Cook the rice in the milk mixture at medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking and ensure the rice softens and absorbs the milk.
- Cool the Pudding: When the rice is tender and cooked through, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down to room temperature to thicken slightly.
- Add Flavor and Fruit: Stir in a pinch of fresh nutmeg or cinnamon for warming flavor and optionally fold in fresh fruits such as berries or mango pieces to enhance the pudding’s taste and texture.
- Serve: Serve the rice pudding either at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference, as a comforting and creamy dessert.
Notes
- Use round or short-grain rice for the best creamy texture.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust the sugar amount to taste if you prefer it less or more sweet.
- For a richer pudding, you can substitute part of the milk with cream.
- This pudding can be served warm but is often enjoyed chilled for a refreshing dessert.
- Adding fresh fruit enhances flavor and nutrition; feel free to customize with your favorite seasonal fruits.
Keywords: Riz au lait, rice pudding, French dessert, creamy rice pudding, vanilla rice pudding, easy rice pudding recipe
