Creamy Rice Pudding with Almonds & Saffron Recipe

This creamy vegan rice pudding is softly scented with saffron and cardamom, then finished with slivered almonds, golden raisins and a few extra saffron threads on top. It is simple enough for a weeknight dessert but pretty enough to serve in small bowls with tea.

Creamy Rice Pudding with Almonds & Saffron | Vegan Recipe

Creamy Rice Pudding with Almonds & Saffron Recipe

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 to 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (100 g) medium-grain or short-grain white rice, such as arborio or sushi rice

• 2 tbsp. (30 ml) hot water

• Pinch of saffron threads, plus more for serving

• 3 cups (720 ml) unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, plus more as needed

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom

• 1/8 tsp. fine sea salt

• 2 tbsp. (12 g) slivered almonds, plus more for serving

• 1 tbsp. (10 g) golden raisins or regular raisins, optional

Directions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.

2. Place the saffron in a small bowl. Add the hot water and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes while you start the rice.

3. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) of the almond milk or oat milk. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.

4. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring often, until the rice begins to soften and the milk looks slightly thickened.

5. Stir in the maple syrup, cardamom, sea salt and saffron water. Continue cooking for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is very soft and the pudding is creamy.

6. Add the remaining 1/2 cup (120 ml) almond milk or oat milk as needed to loosen the pudding. The texture should be creamy and spoonable, not stiff.

7. Stir in the raisins, if using, and cook for 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat and let the pudding rest for 5 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it sits.

8. Spoon into bowls and top with slivered almonds and a few extra saffron threads. Serve warm or chilled.

Make It Yours

• Use light coconut milk for a richer pudding.

• Add 1/2 tsp. rose water or orange blossom water after cooking for a floral note.

• Top with chopped pistachios, toasted coconut or thinly sliced dates.

Pairs Well With

• Green tea

• Chai tea or spiced rooibos

• Fresh berries or poached pears

• A small square of dark chocolate

Kitchen Notes

For the creamiest texture, use medium-grain or short-grain rice. Long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, can work in a pinch but will usually produce a looser pudding with more separate grains.

For a shortcut version, use 1 1/2 cups (285 g) cooked white rice. Simmer it with 2 cups (480 ml) almond milk or oat milk, the bloomed saffron, maple syrup, cardamom and sea salt for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until creamy.