Rice with milk and raisins

Here’s a comforting recipe for rice with milk and raisins, a sweet dish that can be enjoyed as a dessert or a cozy breakfast!

Rice with Milk and Raisins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice: Short-grain rice (like Arborio) works best for a creamy texture, but you can use long-grain rice too.
• 2 cups milk: You can use whole milk, almond milk, or any milk of your choice.
• 1 cup water: For cooking the rice.
• ½ cup raisins: You can use golden or regular raisins.
• ¼ cup sugar or sweetener (to taste): Adjust based on your preference.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: For warmth.
• A pinch of salt: Enhances sweetness.
• Optional toppings: Chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts), additional cinnamon, or fresh fruit.

Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rice and 1 cup of water. Add a pinch of salt.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Milk Mixture:

   • In a separate saucepan, combine 2 cups of milk, ½ cup of raisins, ¼ cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warm and the sugar dissolves.

3. Combine Rice and Milk:

   • Once the rice is cooked, add it to the milk mixture. Stir well to combine.
   • Cook over low heat for another 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, you can add a little more milk to loosen it up.

4. Add Cinnamon:

   • Stir in the ground cinnamon and adjust sweetness if needed. Cook for an additional minute.

5. Serve:

   • Spoon the rice with milk and raisins into bowls. Top with chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or fresh fruit if desired.

6. Enjoy:

   • Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference!

Variations:

• Coconut Rice Pudding: Substitute half of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
• Spiced Rice Pudding: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for additional flavor.
• Fruit Variation: Mix in other dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots, for different textures and flavors.

This sweet and creamy dish is sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!