Lydia'S Rice Pudding

Prep: 10 min Cook: 85 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Lydia's Rice Pudding offers a creamy, comforting dessert with tender rice, sweet raisins, and vanilla, perfect for cozy family gatherings or casual dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup raw rice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1 1/2 quarts milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cook boiling water, rice, and salt for 7 minutes.
  2. Add butter and milk and cook on low for 1 hour and 15 minutes, adding more milk as needed.
  3. Beat the eggs and add them to the pudding.
  4. Stir in raisins, sugar, and vanilla.
  5. Continue cooking until thickened and creamy.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using arborio rice instead of regular rice. You can also substitute half of the milk with coconut milk for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a sweeter pudding, add an extra tablespoon of sugar or honey. Keep an eye on the cooking time; stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking. Serve warm or chilled, and it pairs beautifully with Promise Branberry Muffins.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lydia's Rice Pudding warm, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad like Frozen Angel Salad, which complements the rich pudding nicely.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. It can also be enjoyed cold, making it a versatile dessert.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lydia'S Rice Pudding contains roughly 1556 calories, with 20g protein, 220g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (87% of the Daily Value), calcium (78% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1269mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).

1556 kcal 78% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.1g 40% DV
Total Fat 57.1g 73% DV
Carbs 220g 80% DV
Fiber 5.8g 21% DV
Sugar 120.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1268.7mg 55% DV
Potassium 985.6mg 21% DV
Cholesterol 106.3mg 35% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 445.6mcg 50% DV
Vitamin C 65.7mg 73% DV
Vitamin D 4mcg 20% DV
Calcium 1007.8mg 78% DV
Iron 15.7mg 87% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time, approximately 45 minutes instead of 15. Adjust the liquid accordingly, adding more milk if necessary to achieve the desired creaminess.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk of your choice, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dairy-free version of the rice pudding.

How can I enhance the flavor of the pudding?

You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like cardamom or a bit of citrus zest. Additionally, using flavored extracts such as almond or coconut instead of vanilla can create a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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