Although rice pudding is often considered a children's dish, this recipe for creamy cardamom rice pudding proves that it can be just as enjoyable for adults. The sweet and fragrant flavor of cardamom pairs perfectly with the creamy rice, making for a delicious dessert perfect for colder weather.
Best of all, rice puddings are easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients. So, if you're looking for something tasty and comforting to enjoy after dinner, try this recipe!
This aromatic pudding takes me back to my childhood. In Latin America, we call it Arroz con Leche (Rice with Milk), but being a fan of Indian Food, I decided to make a delicious spin-off on our classic 3-ingredient vegan rice pudding.
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💚 Why you will love it
- Easy to make
- Sweet and fragrant
- Comforting dessert or breakfast
- Nutritious twist
🧾 Ingredients
In this easy rice pudding recipe, we use
- Basmati rice
- Oats
- Coconut oil
- Organic palm sugar or unrefined brown sugar
Add some lovely sweet spices to make your pudding memorable
- Cardamom pods or ground cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Oat milk or water
Optional: a touch of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
It also added a touch of acidity and flavor using Clementines.
See quantities and complete instructions in the recipe card.
🔪 Instructions
- Cook. Add milk, basmati rice, brown sugar, oats, coconut oil, or water in a medium-sized pot on medium heat. Add the vanilla extract at this point if you decide to use it.
- Let it boil for about 25 minutes, and cook, stirring occasionally.
- Peel the clementine carefully, saving peeling to decorate (if you wish to). Next, add the raisins and the clementine juice and keep stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat and bring to a gentle simmer for additional 10 minutes and remove it from heat. Also, remove the cardamom pods.
- Serve warm in small cups and let them cool.
- Garnish. Add the coconut flakes and decorate with the clementine peelings.
So for those of you who like easy clementine recipes, this one is for you!
Tip: You can serve it warm but also out of the fridge.
💡Expert tips
Sweet Aromas: The essence of a memorable rice pudding lies in its aromas. Incorporate sweet spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and cloves to infuse your dish with fragrant, comforting scents. These spices add depth to the flavor and have health benefits, enhancing the dish's appeal.
Primary Spice: As an Indian cuisine lover, I often emphasize one spice over others to create a distinct flavor profile. Select your favorite spice as the main character and allow the others to play supporting roles. This approach personalizes the pudding to your taste preferences.
Creative Additions: Don't hesitate to experiment with ingredients like nuts, rose water, or orange blossom water. These can add unique flavors and aromas, making the rice pudding even more special. The recipe's flexibility means there's little risk of error, inviting creativity.
Health Benefits of Spices: This recipe utilizes at least three spices, which not only tantalize your taste buds but also support a healthy immune system. Spices are calorie-free and packed with beneficial properties. For example, cardamom is known for its potential to lower blood pressure, improve breathing, and aid in weight loss. Similarly, cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels, while nutmeg's anti-inflammatory properties can boost mood, blood sugar control, and heart health.
Simple Enhancements: Even a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice mix can elevate the pudding with its complex flavors. For a fresh twist, consider adding the juice of a clementine or mandarine, enhancing the pudding with a sweet, citrusy note.
📖 Variations
Make it an Oat milk rice pudding, simply replacing the water with freshly made homemade oat milk. It only takes a couple of minutes to make.
You can also use almond milk. These variations will make your creamy cardamom pudding even richer and creamier.
🥢 How to serve
You can also add brown sugar candied walnuts as a luscious topping!
We enjoy this simple dessert with vegan golden milk, another great Indian-inspired recipe that is perfect for tea time or a cozy fall mid-afternoon snack.
❓FAQ
Simply place the pudding into an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy the pudding, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating it on the stove or in the microwave.
🥡 Storage
- Cool Down: Allow the pudding to reach room temperature before storing it to prevent condensation inside the container, which can affect the texture.
- Airtight Container: Transfer into an airtight container. This helps to maintain its moisture and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
- Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for 5 days. The cool temperature slows bacterial growth, keeping your dessert safe to consume.
🍷 Wine pairing
- France - Sweet - Alsace, Selection of Grains Nobles (Riesling or Gewurztraminer)
- Germany - Sweet - Auslese (Riesling)
- Hungary - Sweet - Tokaji Aszú 3 or 5 Puttonyos (Furmint, Hárslevelü and others)
- France - Sweet - Sauternes or Cadillac (Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc)
📚 More healthy vegan dessert recipe
Take a look at this additional pudding recipe:
For a fresher summery dessert option, check out the vegan berry nicecream or the peanut banana ice cream.
And our latest creation that makes both healthy breakfast and desserts, the We love using pistachio cream as we do in our dark chocolate chia pudding recipe and lemon blueberry overnight oats.
More about the benefits of spices
If you are curious about all the Benefits of Oats.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo #ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
📋 Recipe
Creamy Cardamom Rice Pudding
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice aromatic Basmati, white or any other long rice will do
- 10 pods cardamom
- ⅔ cups old fashioned rolled oats gluten-free organic
- 2 ½ cups water or oat milk, almond milk
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 clementine or mandarine juice
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoon palm sugar organic, or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil optional
Optional to decorate:
- 1 tablespoon coconut flakes
- 4 slices of clementine or mandarine peeling
Directions
- Cook. Place all the ingredients except for the raisins, coconut flakes and clementine, in a medium-sized pot on medium-low heat.
- Let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes.
- Peel the clementine carefully, saving peeling to decorate (if you wish to). Add the raisins and the clementine juice.
- Let it cook for additional 10 minutes and remove it from heat.
- Serve warm in small cups and let them cool.
- Garnish. Add the coconut flakes and decorate with the clementine peelings.
Notes
It is also delicious having it cold, just the cups in the fridge for about 2 hours before consuming it. Wine Pairing by our Sommelier Ramón Barreiro @pejo_barreiro France - Sweet - Sauternes or Cadillac (Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc) France - Sweet - Alsace, Selection of Grains Nobles (Riesling or Gewurztraminer) Germany - Sweet - Auslese (Riesling) Hungary - Sweet - Tokaji Aszú 3 or 5 Puttonyos (Furmint, Hárslevelü and others)
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
Raquel Thomas
Would quick oats change the texture? I have a huge container I need to use up.
Gus
It might change the texture slightly, but I wouldn't let that stop me from making this rice pudding. Simply cook according to package directions, I would try a small batch first. Let us know how it turns out.
Maria San Juan
Would love to make this! Thanks for sharing! Will definitely make this for my family!
Mirlene
This meal sound so delicious. I cannot wait to try it.
Sharon
The spices in this rice pudding add such wonderful flavor and depth to it.
Aimee Mars
Oh, this looks heavenly! I used to frequent Rice to Riches a rice pudding shop in NYC when I lived there and I haven't had any since moving. This looks like a perfect recipe to try at home.
Rika
This rice pudding looks so delicious and healthy! I think the cardamom will add a nice warm and complex aroma to the pudding.
Patty at Spoonabilities
Oh I do have to give your Indian version of Arroz con Leche a try! I'm such a fan of rice pudding and these new and exotic flavors in this recipe are sure to be a hit!
Diana Reis
This is comfort in a bowl. Before even tasting it, the smell was amazing.
Petro
This sounds too delicious! I had arroz con leche many times before but never this version. A must try!
Taly
Qué rico! Siempre me gustó el arroz con leche y también incursionar en cosas nuevas dentro de la pastelería y los postres, así que pronto implementaré esta nueva versión!