Rice Pudding (Raw Stovetop)

ricepudding A bowl of rich, creamy Rice Pudding is like a big hug from your Grandma on a cold and dreary day. It’s a classic comfort dessert that is not overly sweet, with hints of cinnamon and studded with plump raisins, and can be enjoyed warm or cold. Chances are, everything you need to make it right now is already in your pantry.

5½ cups whole milk, divided
⅓ cup Monk Fruit Sweetener with Erythritol (Granular)
½ tsp. sea salt
½ cup medium grain white rice, uncooked, unrinsed
1 large egg
⅓ cup raisins
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp. butter
1½ tsp. pure vanilla extract

Garnish:
ground cinnamon
whole milk or cream, for drizzling

Combine 5 cups of the milk, sugar and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently so the sugar doesn't scorch on the bottom of the pan (watching carefully, as the liquid will quickly rise to the top of the pan.)

Once milk is boiling, add rice and reduce heat to low/medium-low, adjusting to maintain a gentle simmer (it should still be bubbling.) Cook, stirring every 1-2 minutes while scraping the base and sides of the pan with a wooden spoon, until mixture is thick and rice is tender, about 22 minutes. (NOTE: the ratio of milk to rice in the beginning will seem ridiculously high, but it will reduce and thicken)

Temper the egg: in a large measuring cup, whisk together the egg and remaining ½ cup milk. Slowly pour ½ cup of the hot rice into the egg mixture, then add that back into the pot; stir to combine.

Add in the raisins and cinnamon; cook for another 3-5 minutes or so, stirring constantly, until raisins plump and pudding is thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.

If pudding seems too thick, you can add in ¼ cup extra milk, only if needed to loosen and achieve desired consistency.

Pour mixture into individual custard cups or bowls and serve warm with a little drizzle of milk and sprinkle of cinnamon. (The rice pudding will continue to thicken as it cools. Thin out with more milk if desired.)

Makes 6 servings.