Description
At its core, this dish is a slow-simmered porridge made from starchy rice and dairy, sweetened just enough to highlight the natural flavors of the grain. The Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding with Berry Compote is distinguished by two primary components. First, the pudding itself uses short-grain rice, which is essential for releasing the starches necessary to create a thick, custard-like consistency without the need for eggs or heavy thickeners. The addition of a whole vanilla bean provides a complex flavor profile that includes notes of smoke, floral sweetness, and cream.
Ingredients
Rice Pudding
¾ cup short-grain rice (Arborio or sushi rice)
3 cups whole milk (or 2½ cups milk + ½ cup cream)
½ cup water
¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1 vanilla bean, split & seeds scraped
(or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract)Pinch of salt
Berry Compote
2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp lemon zest (optional)
Optional Garnishes
Extra vanilla bean seeds
Toasted almonds or pistachios
Mint leaves
Instructions
1. Start the Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine rice and water.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook until water is mostly absorbed, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Make the Pudding
Add milk, sugar, salt, vanilla seeds, and vanilla pod (if using).
Lower heat to medium-low.
Simmer gently 30–40 minutes, stirring often, until creamy and thick.
Scrape the bottom to prevent sticking.
Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Remove vanilla pod before serving.
3. Make the Berry Compote
In a small saucepan, combine berries, sugar, lemon juice, and zest.
Cook over medium heat 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Berries should break down and sauce should thicken slightly.
Cool slightly—compote thickens as it cools.
4. Serve
Spoon warm or chilled rice pudding into bowls.
Top generously with berry compote.
Add garnishes if desired.
Notes
For added texture and aroma, finish with a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pistachios and a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg. Serve warm for a cozy dessert or chilled for a refreshing treat, and add a swirl of cream or coconut milk for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290 kcal
Keywords: Creamy vanilla rice pudding, Homemade rice pudding with berries, Short-grain rice dessert, Mixed berry compote pudding