Orange-Cardamom Semolina Pudding
Silky semolina pudding infused with fragrant cardamom and fresh orange zest, offering a delicate and comforting dessert with a subtle citrus aroma. This mediterranean-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers semolina, 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.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup semolina
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp, finely grated orange zest
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp, for garnish toasted sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup, for garnish orange segments
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring 3 cups whole milk to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Step 2: Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup semolina, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes until the semolina thickens to a creamy pudding consistency.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, 1 tsp finely grated orange zest, and 2 tbsp unsalted butter until fully melted and combined. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and spoon the pudding into 4 serving bowls. Let cool slightly before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 5: Before serving, garnish each pudding bowl with 2 tbsp toasted sliced almonds and 1/2 cup fresh orange segments for added texture and brightness.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orange-Cardamom Semolina Pudding take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Orange-Cardamom Semolina 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 Orange-Cardamom Semolina 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 Orange-Cardamom Semolina 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 Orange-Cardamom Semolina Pudding?
Mediterranean 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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