Hidden Ace Cardamom and Rosewater Rice Pudding

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A delicately spiced rice pudding infused with cardamom and rosewater, offering a fragrant and comforting dessert with a subtle floral note. This middle eastern-inspired desserts ready in about 55 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 250 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 3/4 cup short-grain rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice and 4 cups whole milk over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 lightly crushed green cardamom pods and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp rosewater, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, cooking for another 5 minutes until sugar is dissolved and pudding is fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, discard cardamom pods, and let the pudding cool slightly before transferring to serving bowls.
  6. Step 6: Garnish each serving with 2 tbsp toasted slivered pistachios and a light sprinkle of 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Serve warm or chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hidden Ace Cardamom and Rosewater Rice Pudding take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (5 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Hidden Ace Cardamom and Rosewater Rice Pudding?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Ace Cardamom and Rosewater Rice Pudding?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hidden Ace Cardamom and Rosewater Rice Pudding for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hidden Ace Cardamom and Rosewater Rice Pudding?

Middle Eastern desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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