Riz au Lait ~ French Rice Pudding
User Reviews
5
Riz au Lait ~ French Rice Pudding
Description
This traditional French rice pudding uses short-grain rice rinsed and parboiled briefly then simmered slowly in a mixture of milk, half-and-half, and cream combined with sugar, salt, orange zest, and vanilla bean pods or extract. The gentle simmering thickens the mixture as the rice softens, creating a velvety, creamy texture with distinct grains intact. Orange zest and juice bring a delicate citrus brightness that complements the warmth of the vanilla.
The final pudding is rich and luscious, neither overly sweet nor heavy, with a smooth mouthfeel from the dairy and a softly chewy rice texture. It can be served warm or chilled, topped optionally with softly whipped cream, tangy crème fraîche, or a dollop of marmalade to enhance the flavor layers. These additions add creaminess or fruity tartness that balances the pudding’s sweetness.
For stronger orange notes, orange essence or orange blossom water can be added during cooking. Frequent stirring during simmering is important to prevent sticking or boiling over. The pudding should be watched closely until it thickens to a creamy consistency with tender rice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup short-grain rice uncooked
- 4 to 5 tablespoons sugar granulated white
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 small orange very finely zested and juiced (at least 1/3 cup or 80 ml juice and 1 to 2 teaspoons zest, preferably organic
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups milk whole milk, or half milk and half light or heavy cream
- 3 1/4 cups half-and-half
- 3 1/4 cups cream
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
- cream for serving (optional, softly whipped cream; or creme fraiche; or marmalade
- crème fraîche
- marmalade
Instructions
- Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under running water until the water runs clear, about 1 minute.
- Then place the rice in a medium saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain the rice. Wipe out the pan and return the rice to the pan along with 1 tablespoon sugar, salt, and the orange zest. Slice the vanilla bean along its center and scrape out the seeds, adding both the pod and the seeds to the pan, or add the vanilla extract. Pour the milk over the rice, stir, and place over medium heat. Bring it just to a boil and then immediately turn down the heat to as low as possible.
- Cover the saucepan, leaving it slightly ajar, and let the pudding gently simmer, stirring often so the rice neither sticks to the bottom of the pan nor bubbles up and over 20 to 35 minutes, depending on the type of the rice you’re using. Keep watch as you don't want the mixture to cook too long or dry but is thick and very creamy and the rice is tender and has absorbed almost all of the liquid.
- Remove the pan from the heat and carefully remove and discard the vanilla bean. Add the butter and 3 tablespoons sugar and stir until the butter is melted and well blended into the rice, 30 to 60 seconds.
- Carefully, gradually, and vigorously stir in the orange juice until well blended, about 1 minute. Taste and, if you want the pudding a little sweeter, add the last tablespoon of sugar.
- Spoon the riz au lait into 6 dessert bowls and serve warm or cold, keeping in mind the flavors will be somewhat muted if served cold.
Notes
- Adding a few drops of orange essence or orange blossom water can enhance the citrus aroma and complexity of the pudding.
- Use whole milk or a milk and cream combination for a richer texture.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pudding from sticking or boiling over.
- Serve with softly whipped cream, crème fraîche, or marmalade for added richness or tartness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6to 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 256 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1portion | |
| Calories | 256kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 18mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 106mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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