Dessert

Cardamom Cinnamon Rice Pudding

Creamy, slow-cooked arborio rice infused with green cardamom, warm cinnamon, and a hint of rosewater.

May 30, 2025 By Chef Clara 4.9 (179 votes)
Cardamom Cinnamon Rice Pudding
The Quick Takeaway

In a nutshell: This authentic indian cardamom cinnamon rice pudding comes together in just 45 mins using simple whole ingredients. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Cuisine Indian
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Comfort food at its finest. This classic, rich rice pudding is gently spiced with cardamom pods and cinnamon, giving it an exotic, warming depth. Excellent served warm or chilled.

Key Equipment

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Chef's Pro-Tips

  • Ensure Balanced Room Temperature: Having butter, milk, and eggs at comfortable room temperature allows emulsions to form cleanly, resulting in the tenderest crumb for cardamom cinnamon rice pudding.
  • Test with a Toothpick: Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center; look for a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter or a bone-dry stick.

Ingredients
4 servings

  • ½ cup arborio rice, uncooked
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 6 whole green cardamom pods, crushed
  • 1 whole cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp rosewater
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Simmer Rice and Spices

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the arborio rice, whole milk, heavy cream, crushed cardamom pods, and the cinnamon stick. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

2

Slow Cook to Creamy

Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let simmer for 30-35 minutes. Stir every few minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan, until the rice is tender and the liquid is creamy and thick.

3

Sweeten and Finish

Stir in the sugar and simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, discard the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods, and stir in the rosewater. Garnish with pistachios and ground cinnamon.

Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks

Kitchen Essentials

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Frequently Asked Questions

Arborio is ideal because its starch creates the creamy texture. Long-grain rice works in a pinch but won't be as rich.

Milk scorches easily on the bottom of the pan, and frequent stirring releases the rice starch that thickens the pudding.

Both are lovely. It thickens as it cools, so stir in a splash of milk if serving it cold.

Yes. It's a subtle background floral note. A splash of vanilla extract makes a fine substitute.