Orange Rice Pudding with Golden Raisins (Crock Pot)
There’s a gentle warmth that emanates from a slow cooker, a promise of comfort simmering away. For me, that promise often translates into a bowl of creamy, dreamy rice pudding. This particular iteration, infused with the bright perfume of orange and studded with plump golden raisins, takes me back to crisp autumn afternoons spent helping my grandmother in her kitchen. The air would be thick with the scent of baking spices and citrus, a prelude to the simple, yet profoundly satisfying, desserts she’d conjure. This recipe, with its effortless crock pot method, captures that same essence of home and hearth, making it a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups
- Dietary Type: Can be adapted to be Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups 2% low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup medium grain rice, uncooked
- 2/3 cup golden raisins
- 2 teaspoons orange zest, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Equipment Needed
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)
- Serving bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or fine grater
- Spoon for stirring and serving
Instructions
- Begin by combining the milk, granulated sugar, and uncooked medium grain rice directly in your crock pot insert. Give it a good stir to ensure the sugar starts to dissolve and the rice is evenly distributed in the milk.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid.
- Set the crock pot to cook on high heat. Allow it to cook for 3 to 3.5 hours.
- During the cooking process, it is important to stir occasionally. This helps to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the crock pot and ensures a creamy, even texture throughout the pudding. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is creamy.
- Once the pudding has reached a creamy consistency, spoon it into a serving bowl.
- Now, stir in the golden raisins and the minced orange zest.
- Allow the pudding to set. As it cools, it will naturally thicken to its final, perfect consistency.
- Just before serving, dust lightly with the ground nutmeg.
Expert Tips & Tricks
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but a few seasoned touches can elevate it even further. When zesting your orange, aim for the brightly colored outer peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. A microplane zester is your best friend here, creating fine, fragrant strands that will infuse the pudding beautifully. For the raisins, if they seem a little dry, a quick soak in a tablespoon of warm water or even a splash of orange juice for 10-15 minutes before adding can plump them up beautifully, ensuring a burst of sweetness in every bite. Stirring is key to achieving that luxurious creaminess; don’t be tempted to skip this step, even if it seems like a minor inconvenience. It truly makes a difference in the final texture and prevents a layer of cooked-on rice from forming at the bottom.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This Orange Rice Pudding is a delight served warm, right after it has had a chance to set. The warmth enhances the aromatic qualities of the orange zest and nutmeg. For an extra touch of elegance, you can serve it in individual ramekins or small glass bowls. A few extra golden raisins or a delicate swirl of additional orange zest can make for a beautiful garnish.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pudding will continue to thicken as it chills, which is perfectly normal. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk to loosen it up if it has become too firm.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 381.9 kcal | |
| Total Fat | 5.2 g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g | 16% |
| Cholesterol | 19.5 mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 118.2 mg | 4% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 75.7 g | 25% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% |
| Sugars | 51.7 g | 206% |
| Protein | 10.5 g | 21% |
(Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Variations & Substitutions
While this recipe is wonderful as is, feel free to explore some delightful variations. For a dairy-free version, you could experiment with a plant-based milk like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk (full-fat canned coconut milk will yield the creamiest results). You might find that the cooking time needs slight adjustment depending on the milk used. If you’re not a fan of raisins, feel free to substitute them with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different fruity note. A pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon can also be added alongside the nutmeg for a more complex spice profile. For an extra burst of citrus flavor, a tablespoon of fresh orange juice can be stirred in with the raisins and zest.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of rice?
A: While medium-grain rice is recommended for its ability to absorb liquid and create a creamy texture, short-grain rice could also work, but may result in a slightly different consistency. Long-grain rice is generally not ideal for rice pudding.
Q: My pudding seems too thin after cooking, what can I do?
A: Don’t worry, rice pudding thickens considerably as it cools. If after cooling it’s still thinner than you prefer, you can return it to the crock pot on high for another 30-60 minutes, stirring more frequently, or gently simmer it on the stovetop until it reaches your desired thickness.
Q: Can I make this recipe without a crock pot?
A: Absolutely! You can achieve a similar result on the stovetop. Combine the milk, sugar, and rice in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring very frequently, for about 45-60 minutes, or until creamy. Be extra vigilant to prevent scorching.
Q: Is it okay to leave the lid off the crock pot while cooking?
A: No, it’s best to keep the lid on during the primary cooking phase. The lid traps the steam, which is essential for evenly cooking the rice and achieving that signature creamy texture. Removing the lid will allow too much moisture to escape and can affect the final outcome.
Q: How can I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the crock pot?
A: Stirring occasionally throughout the cooking process is the most effective way to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If you find it’s still a persistent issue, ensure your crock pot has a non-stick interior and consider using a liner if your model allows.
This Orange Rice Pudding with Golden Raisins is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the embodiment of comfort food, made effortlessly delicious by the magic of slow cooking. The gentle infusion of orange and the sweet chewiness of the raisins create a symphony of flavors that is both nostalgic and utterly delightful. I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Enjoy every spoonful!