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Poor Man's Rice Pudding Recipe

Poor Man's Rice Pudding Recipe

Poor Man's Rice Pudding is a traditional dessert that’s perfect when you want to create something comforting and tasty using minimal ingredients. This recipe revolves around a few staples that most of us keep on hand—milk, rice, sugar, and butter—transformed into a rich and creamy pudding. The slow baking process is key to its success, producing a soft, tender rice base with a delicate caramelized layer on top. This dish is perfect for a cozy family meal, or when you’re craving something warm and comforting.


Poor Man's Rice Pudding Recipe


Ingredients for Poor Man's Rice Pudding:

  • 1 Quart of Milk: The base of this pudding, the milk provides creaminess as it slowly bakes and thickens with the rice. Whole milk works best to achieve that rich, creamy consistency, but you can substitute with a lower-fat milk if needed.
  • 1 Piece of Butter (Size of a Hickory Nut): A small knob of butter adds richness to the pudding and enhances the smooth texture. The size comparison is helpful—about a teaspoon or slightly more should suffice.
  • 1 Small Cupful of Sugar: The sugar sweetens the pudding just enough, balancing the blandness of the rice and milk. It’s not overly sweet, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle flavor.
  • 1/2 Cupful of Washed Rice (scant): The rice is the heart of this dish, expanding and softening as it slowly bakes. A medium- or short-grain rice, such as arborio or pudding rice, works well because it becomes tender and creamy during the baking process.
  • 1/2 Teaspoonful of Salt: A touch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
  • 1 Teaspoonful of Vanilla: Vanilla gives the pudding a comforting, aromatic quality. Adding this at the end of the baking process will ensure that the flavor doesn’t cook off and stays strong.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Poor Man’s Rice Pudding:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Before assembling the pudding, start by washing the rice. This step is crucial to remove excess starch, which helps the grains cook more evenly and prevents them from clumping together. Place the rice in a sieve and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. After washing, set the rice aside to drain.

Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients

In a large ovenproof dish, combine the washed rice, 1 quart of milk, 1 small cupful of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoonful of salt. Stir these ingredients together gently, ensuring that the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid. Next, add the small piece of butter (about the size of a hickory nut) by dotting it on top of the mixture. As the butter melts during baking, it will contribute to the pudding’s rich and creamy texture.

Step 3: Bake the Pudding Slowly

Now comes the most important part: baking the pudding. Place the dish in a preheated oven at a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C), and let it bake for a full three hours. Slow baking is the key to achieving the signature creaminess of this dish. The rice will gradually absorb the milk, swell up, and soften into a smooth, custardy texture.

Throughout the baking time, the top of the pudding will develop a golden, slightly caramelized skin. This is what sets Poor Man's Rice Pudding apart—it’s rich underneath, with a lovely contrast of texture on top. You don’t need to stir the pudding as it bakes; the slow, undisturbed cooking will allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 4: Add the Vanilla

About 10-15 minutes before the pudding is fully done, stir in the 1 teaspoonful of vanilla extract. This step ensures that the vanilla flavor remains vibrant and aromatic. After adding the vanilla, let the pudding finish baking.

Step 5: Serve Warm or Cold

Once the pudding is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. It’s a versatile dessert—you can enjoy it warm, which brings out the creaminess, or allow it to cool down for a more set, firm texture. Poor Man’s Rice Pudding can be eaten on its own or served with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra indulgence.

Approximate Calorie Count

A typical serving of Poor Man's Rice Pudding, when divided into six portions, would be around 200-250 calories per serving. The majority of the calories come from the milk, butter, and sugar, with the rice adding carbohydrates. Adjusting the amount of sugar or using a lower-fat milk can slightly reduce the calorie content, though the rich texture is best preserved with whole milk.

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