Orange Cardamom Spiced Rice Pudding

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-30 · Updated 2026-05-30

Creamy rice pudding gently infused with fragrant cardamom and bright orange zest for a comforting dessert. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe, 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.

Ingredients

• 100 g short-grain rice
• 1 liter whole milk
• 120 g granulated sugar
• 5, crushed green cardamom pods
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 20 g unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp, for garnish ground cinnamon

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.