A delightful twist on the classic German Milchreis, this creamy vanilla rice pudding is a comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.
Combine the rice, sugar, and salt in a large saucepan.
Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan can help prevent the rice from sticking.
Add the milk, cream, and vanilla bean to the saucepan and stir well.
Ensure the vanilla bean is split open to release its flavor.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently.
Stirring frequently prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
If the mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
Remove the vanilla bean, scrape out the seeds, and stir them back into the pudding. Discard the pod.
Scraping the vanilla seeds adds a rich flavor to the pudding.
Serve the rice pudding warm in bowls, optionally garnished with cinnamon, sugar, or fruit compote.
Serving warm enhances the comforting nature of the dish.