Rich, creamy, and deeply comforting, this classic New York deli-style rice pudding carries forward a cherished tradition that has delighted generations. This recipe captures the perfect balance of creamy texture and sweet indulgence that made rice pudding a staple in iconic New York delis, offering a taste of nostalgia in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe recreates the authentic taste and texture of traditional New York deli rice pudding, with its signature creamy consistency and perfectly cooked rice grains. The careful balance of ingredients and cooking method ensures restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen.
Prep Time & Duration
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50-75 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours (optional)
- Total Time: 1-2 hours (plus chilling)
- Servings: 6-8 portions
Ingredients
Basic Components
- 3½ cups (825ml) whole milk, divided
- 5 cups (1.2L) water
- 1 cup (200g) medium-grain rice, uncooked
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
Enriching Elements
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup (75g) raisins
Garnish
- Ground cinnamon
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
Instructions
Initial Cooking Phase
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 5 cups water
- Uncooked rice
- Sugar
- Salt
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent milk from scalding.
- Bring to a gentle simmer (15-25 minutes), then reduce heat to low.
Main Cooking Process
- Cook for 25-35 minutes, stirring regularly until:
- Rice becomes tender
- Mixture thickens substantially
- Liquid reduces by approximately half
Adding Enrichments
- In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 1 egg
- Remaining ½ cup milk
- Temper the egg mixture:
- Gradually add 1 cup hot rice mixture to egg mixture
- Stir constantly while adding
- Return tempered mixture to pot
- Final additions:
- Stir in raisins and vanilla
- Cook for 3 additional minutes
- Remove from heat
- Incorporate butter
Professional Tips
For Perfect Texture
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent sticking
- Watch carefully as mixture thickens
- Remember pudding continues thickening while cooling
- Adjust consistency with warm milk if needed
Temperature Serving Options
- Serve warm for comfort food appeal
- Chill for traditional deli-style service
- Allow 2+ hours for proper chilling
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Keeps refrigerated for up to 5 days
- Store in airtight container
- May need thinning when reheating
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 245
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 1mg
Variations & Customizations
- Increase raisins to ¾ cup for extra fruit
- Add cinnamon during cooking for spiced version
- Use different dried fruits (cranberries, chopped apricots)
- Add toasted nuts for crunch
- Substitute vanilla bean for extract
This recipe captures the essence of traditional New York deli rice pudding while allowing for personal customization. The careful cooking process and quality ingredients ensure a dessert that’s both nostalgic and deeply satisfying, perfect for any occasion requiring comfort food at its finest.
