Orange Cardamom Spiced Rice Pudding

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy rice pudding gently infused with fragrant cardamom and bright orange zest for a comforting dessert. This mediterranean-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers short-grain rice, liter 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: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 100 g short-grain rice under cold water until water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. Step 2: In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 1 liter whole milk, 120 g granulated sugar, and 5 crushed green cardamom pods. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking, for 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh orange zest, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 20 g unsalted butter until melted and fully incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Remove the cardamom pods, pour the pudding into serving bowls, and allow to cool slightly. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon before serving warm or chilled.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Orange Cardamom Spiced Rice Pudding take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 Spiced 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 Orange Cardamom Spiced 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 Orange Cardamom Spiced 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 Orange Cardamom Spiced Rice 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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