How to Make Italian (Arborio) Rice Pudding - A Step-by-Step Guide

Italian rice pudding, also known as "riso al latte" or "budino di riso", is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed in Italy for centuries. This creamy and comforting dish is made with Arborio rice, which is a short-grain rice commonly used in risotto, and is cooked in milk until it becomes rich and thick.

The origins of Italian rice pudding can be traced back to the northern regions of Italy, where rice is a staple ingredient in many dishes. The luscious pudding has a custard-like te...

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups half-and-half
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 (1 1/2 inch) piece lemon peel, or more to taste
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon, for garnish

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan; add rice, butter, and salt. Place a cover on the saucepan, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook rice at a simmer until the rice is tender and the moisture is mostly absorbed, about 20 minutes.
  • Stir half-and-half and sugar into the rice until the sugar dissolves; add cinnamon stick and lemon peel. Bring the mixture to a boil and remove from heat.
  • Place a large stainless steel bowl atop a pot of simmering water. Pour the rice mixture into the top of the double boiler and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 45 minutes.
  • Pour rice pudding into a serving dish. Remove and discard cinnamon stick and lemon peel from pudding; let cool slightly before garnishing with cinnamon to serve.
  • Nutrition

    319 cal.

    • Total Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Cholesterol: 37mg
    • Sodium: 122mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 50g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 25g
    • Protein: 4g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 103mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 122mg