Zesty Lemon Cardamom Rice Pudding Recipe
This zesty lemon cardamom rice pudding blends creamy rice with vibrant lemon zest and warm cardamom spice. A comforting and elegant dessert, it’s easy to prepare and can be served warm or chilled for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Global
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 vanilla pod, split lengthwise
- 1 cardamom pod, lightly crushed
- ½ cup short-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the milk, cream, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla pod, and crushed cardamom pod. Heat over medium heat until it begins to gently simmer.
- Add the short-grain rice, stir well to prevent sticking, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated.
- Discard the vanilla and cardamom pods.
- Serve warm for comfort or chill for a refreshing dessert.
Notes
- Use short-grain rice for the creamiest texture.
- Swap cardamom with cinnamon for a different spice profile.
- Try orange or lime zest instead of lemon for variation.
- Fold in berries or top with fruit compote for added freshness.
- To make dairy-free, use full-fat coconut milk in place of milk and cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
