Rice pudding is a dish made from rice mixed with water or milk and other ingredients such as spices and fruits. It can be prepared either as a dessert or a savory dish, depending on regional variations. The dish is common in many cultures, each with its own version and method of preparation.
Here is a partial list of rice pudding variants around the world:
- Kheer (India, Pakistan) – Made with basmati rice, milk, sugar, and often flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts such as almonds or pistachios.
- Arroz con leche (Latin America, Spain) – A sweet rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Raisins or citrus zest are sometimes added.
- Riz au lait (France) – A simple rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and vanilla, often served chilled.
- Sütlaç (Turkey) – A Turkish rice pudding, typically baked, and sometimes flavored with cinnamon or rose water.
- Risalamande (Denmark) – A Danish Christmas rice pudding made with almonds, whipped cream, and served with cherry sauce.
- Risgrynsgröt (Sweden) – A traditional Swedish rice porridge typically served during Christmas, often with cinnamon and sugar.
- Sholeh zard (Iran) – A Persian rice pudding flavored with saffron, rose water, and cardamom, and often garnished with cinnamon and almonds.
- Firni (Afghanistan, India, Pakistan) – A ground rice pudding flavored with cardamom and often garnished with pistachios or almonds, usually served chilled.
- Khao niao mamuang (Thailand) – A dessert that combines sticky rice, sweetened coconut milk, and fresh mango, often considered a variation of rice pudding.
- Arroz doce (Portugal, Brazil) – Similar to arroz con leche, but often flavored with lemon zest or vanilla.
- Budino di riso (Italy) – An Italian rice pudding, sometimes baked, flavored with lemon or vanilla, and often used as a filling for pastries.
- Orez cu lapte (Romania) – A simple Romanian rice pudding made with milk and sugar, typically served with jam or cinnamon on top.
- Mughli (Lebanon) – A spiced rice pudding prepared to celebrate births, flavored with caraway, anise, and cinnamon, and topped with nuts.
- Riso al latte (Italy) – A milk-based rice pudding, often flavored with cinnamon, typical of northern Italy.
- Payasam (South India) – A sweet dish made with rice, milk, sugar, or jaggery, and flavored with cardamom, sometimes incorporating coconut milk, raisins, and cashews.