Rice, a main food staple around the world, has been cultivated for thousands of years, originating in Asia. The creation of the first rice pudding recipe is almost as old and was likely created as a way to liven up this normally bland food. The basis for each rice pudding recipe is rice, some type of sweetening agent and often milk as well as a host of other ingredients.
The Rice Pudding Recipe in Different Forms
Virtually every part of the world has its own version of rice pudding, making it a global dessert. Even recipes within one country can include a diverse selection of ingredients as well as even how the rice pudding recipe is cooked. The ingredients used as well as the preparation methods are what dictate the types of rice pudding that can be found all over the world.
The types of rice used in a rice pudding recipe can be vastly different from one country to another. For instance, in the United States, long or short grain white rice is the primary type of rice used. However, in Thailand or Malaysia black rice is often used in the rice pudding dishes. Other types of rice that are often used, depending on availability and country include brown rice, basmati and jasmine rice.
The milk and spices are different from one rice pudding recipe to another, depending on your little corner of the world. Some of the milk commonly used includes whole milk, coconut milk, evaporated milk, half and half, whipping cream, almond milk, soy milk and even goats milk. Spices used also differ from country to country with the most popular for rice pudding dishes being cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, saffron, anise and even lavender.
The sweeteners and flavorings used tend to be rather disparate from culture to culture which should come as no surprise. Vanilla, lemon, pistachio, orange, almond, rose water and cocoa lead the pack in terms of flavorings for the rice pudding recipe. Sweeteners include granulated sugar, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, honey, maple syrup and other syrups made from cooking down fruit.
Rice Pudding Recipe Add-ins
Each culture may add its own extra ingredients to enhance the taste of their rice pudding. One of the most popular ingredients to add-in for extra flavor is raisins. Berries, nuts, cocoa powder, butter, cherries and practically anything that sounds to you could be added to a rice pudding recipe.
Because eggs are included in most rice puddings, the recipes are often cooked through boiling or baking methods. Each one provides a distinct flavor to a recipe and often times, both methods are used, with the rice pudding starting in a double boiler and then finishing in the oven. If you decide to travel around the world, be sure to try the rice pudding at each destination. You will see and taste for yourself why each rice pudding recipe can be vastly different.
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