Vanilla Citrus Rice Pudding

An ample, creamy rice pudding, held together by vanilla then lifted by citrus zest to stay smooth, clean and very easy to serve.

Here we are looking for a very comforting home dessert, but with more air and more hold than a heavy rice pudding. The vanilla builds the base, the citrus lightens the finish.

Ingredients

Creamy base

  • 180 g round dessert rice
  • 900 ml whole milk
  • 150 ml whole liquid cream
  • 90 g sugar
  • 1 Bourbon vanilla bean
  • 1 unwaxed orange
  • 1 unwaxed lemon
  • 1 pinch fine salt

Preparation

  1. Heat the milk with the vanilla (8 min)
    Heat the milk and cream with the split bean, its seeds and a little orange and lemon zest.
  2. Cook the rice gently (30 min)
    Add the rice and let cook over low heat, stirring regularly, until you get a soft, creamy texture.
  3. Sweeten and adjust the texture (5 min)
    Add the sugar and a pinch of salt at the end of cooking, then adjust with a little milk if needed.
  4. Finish and serve (2 min)
    Serve warm or cold with a little vanilla sugar and, if you wish, a touch of vanilla caviar.

What makes the balance

The vanilla brings the base, the zest brightens the dessert and the rice keeps a soft, simple and very comforting texture.

Mistakes to avoid

Do not push the cooking too far and do not overdo the citrus. The dessert should stay round, creamy and very readable.

Serving

Serve warm, cool or well chilled, with a light finish to keep a clean read of the vanilla.

Tips

  • Cooking: Keep a gentle cook to avoid a thick skin or an overcooked taste taking over.
  • Finish: The citrus should just wake up the dessert, never cover the vanilla.

Recommended Vanille Désiré products

The bean holds the infusion, the vanilla sugar rounds out the dessert and the caviar can sign the bowl at the last moment for a more precious finish.

FAQ

Can it be made the day before?
Yes, it holds up very well in the fridge and can be loosened with a little milk before serving.
Can the cream be left out?
Yes, but the cream helps keep a rounder, silkier result.

Sources