Cardamom-Spiced Rice Pudding

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-27 · Updated 2026-07-27

A creamy rice pudding infused with aromatic cardamom and a hint of star anise. This Middle Eastern-inspired recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, layers short-grain rice, whole milk, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup short-grain rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 6 green cardamom pods, crushed
• 1 whole star anise
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp toasted sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 3/4 cup short-grain rice under cold water until water runs clear.
2. Step 2: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 4 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 6 crushed green cardamom pods, 1 whole star anise, and 1/4 tsp salt.
3. Step 3: Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring every 5 minutes, for about 40 minutes until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat, discard the star anise and cardamom pods, and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon.
6. Step 6: Spoon pudding into serving bowls and sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sliced almonds on top.
7. Step 7: Serve warm or chilled according to preference.