Sweet Rice Pudding

Total Time: 2 hrs 13 mins Preparation Time: 13 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup basmati rice
• 5 cups whole milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground cardamom
• 2 tablespoons unsalted shelled pistachios
• 3 tablespoons dark raisins
• 1/4 cup blanched slivered almond (optional)

Recipe

• 1 place the rice in a medium-sized bowl. fill the bowl with cold water and swirl the rice around to help remove the starch.
• 2 carefully pour off the water, making sure not to pour out the rice that has settled to the bottom. repeat this step 7-8 times, or until the water is clear.
• 3 fill the bowl with enough cold water to cover the rice by 2 inches. let the rice soak for 30 minutes.
• 4 drain the rice and set aside.
• 5 place the milk in a 6-8- quart pan over medium heat, uncovered, and bring to a boil. this will take about 10-12 minutes. watch it carefully so it does not boil over, and stir frequently to prevent scorching.
• 6 add the drained rice. return it to a boil. this will take 1-2 minutes.
• 7 reduce to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes. the rice will absorb the milk as it cooks and thickens. stir frequently, occasionally mashing the rice with a whisk.
• 8 if the rice sticks, lower the heat.
• 9 after almost all the milk has been absorbed and the rice is very tender, add the sugar and ground cardamom. stir well to combine all the ingredients.
• 10 pour the rice into a heat-proof bowl. let it cool for 10-15 minutes. cover and chill completely.
• 11 when ready to serve, spoon the chilled dessert into individual serving dishes and garnish with the pistachios, raisins, and sliced almonds.