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Rice Pudding and Cookies

17/11/2023

Rice pudding is a simple and comforting dessert, very popular in Italy, similar to rice milk or rice pudding in other cultures. Here is a basic recipe for preparing rice pudding, served with crunchy cookies to add a pleasant texture.

Ingredients

For the rice pudding:

  • 100 g of risotto rice (such as Arborio or Carnaroli)
  • 500 ml of whole milk
  • Lemon zest (preferably untreated)
  • A pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon, to taste

For the cookies:

  • 200 g of 00 flour
  • 100 g of granulated sugar
  • 100 g of butter at room temperature
  • 1 egg
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (or seeds from a vanilla bean)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

Preparation

For the rice pudding:

  1. In a saucepan, place the rice, milk, the zest of one lemon (which you will have previously washed), and a pinch of salt.
  2. Bring the mixture to a slow boil, stirring occasionally.
  3. When the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened (which should take about 30-35 minutes), remove the lemon zest.
  4. Add the granulated sugar and mix well until it has dissolved.
  5. Serve the rice pudding warm or cold, sprinkled with ground cinnamon to taste.

For the cookies:

  1. In a bowl, mix the flour with the sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Add the butter cut into small pieces and the vanilla extract, working the dough until it has a sandy consistency.
  3. Incorporate the egg and knead until you have a smooth mixture.
  4. Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 5 mm.
  7. Use a cookie cutter to obtain the desired shapes and arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving them.

Curiosity

Rice pudding is a dessert enjoyed in many Italian regional variants, sometimes enriched with raisins, crumbled amaretti biscuits, or even chocolate. In Spanish-speaking countries, it is called “arroz con leche” and is often flavored with cinnamon and lemon.

Enjoy your meal and this simple but delicious snack!

Rice Pudding and Cookies