Sweet Rice, also known as Creamy Rice Pudding, is a comforting dessert made with rice, milk, sugar, and warm spices. Popular in Indian and South African homes, it’s often prepared for prayers and special occasions. This creamy, mildly sweet dish symbolizes comfort, celebration, and togetherness.
Equipment
- 24cm pot
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 500 g white rice
- 7 cups boiling water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 cups full cream milk
- 200 g margarine (rama)
- 1/2 tsp ground elachi
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- Simmer the rice in boiling water with the cinnamon stick over medium-high heat until the rice softens and the water reduces.
- Add sugar once the water is nearly absorbed, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Pour in the milk gradually, stirring continuously to prevent sticking or curdling. Simmer gently until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in margarine and continue cooking until the pudding becomes creamy and glossy.
- Add ground cardamom, stir well, and turn off the heat. The pudding will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Serve warm or chilled, topped with kadle (brown chickpeas) if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute part of the milk with condensed milk.
- To make it vegan, replace dairy milk with coconut or almond milk and use plant-based margarine.
- Sweet Rice thickens as it cools; add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen it.
- Serve during prayers, Diwali, or family gatherings.