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Authentic Danish Christmas Rice Porridge (Risengrød) - with a delicious vegan version

This authentic Danish Rice Pudding (known in Denmark as “risengrød”) is a creamy, rich, and silky pudding topped with cool melting butter and a crunchy sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It’s a creamy pudding traditionally served during all of December…ask any Dane what’s a traditional Christmas dish and they will say “Risengrød”.
This authentic Danish Rice Pudding (known in Denmark as “risengrød”) is a creamy, rich, and silky pudding topped with cool melting butter and a crunchy sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It’s a creamy pudding traditionally served during all of December…ask any Dane what’s a traditional Christmas dish and they will say “Risengrød”.
Simone - Munchyesta.com
Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Serving Size 6 people

Ingredients

  • 1 Vanilla Pod seeds from (or 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar powder)
  • 1½ cups (300g) Minute White Rice uncooked
  • 1½ cups (3dl) Water
  • 6¾ cups (1,6liter) 2% Milk or full-fat almond milk or coconut milk for a vegan version
  • ½ tsp Salt

Cinnamon Sugar & topping

  • ¾ cups (150g) Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Cinnamon Powder
  • 4-6 tbsp Butter Non-dairy butter for vegan version

Instructions

Making milk porridge on the stove

  • Cut the vanilla pod open lengthwise and use the knife to scrape out the seeds.
  • Pour the water into a large pot and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the rice and a pinch of salt. Let the rice boil for 2-3 minutes while stirring. 
  • Next, pour in the milk and vanilla and bring to a boil while still stirring.
    Once the water is boiling, turn the heat down to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Let the porridge simmer for 30-minutes while stirring often.
  • Once the rice is tender and the porridge is creamy and thick, ladle the porridge into bowls. Serve topped with a tablespoon of butter and a generous sprinkling of cinnamon sugar.
    Enjoy.

Easy crockpot way to make rice pudding 

  • Add the milk, Minute Rice, salt, vanilla, and water into the crock pot. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
  • Cover the pot with a lid and cook on low for about 3-4 hours (stirring occasionally while cooking.)
  • When the rice is tender, it is ready.
    Once the rice is tender and the porridge is creamy and thick, ladle the porridge into bowls. Serve topped with a tablespoon of butter and a generous sprinkling of cinnamon sugar.
    Enjoy.

How to make danish rice pudding in the microwave 

  • Cut the vanilla pod open lengthwise and use the knife to scrape out the seeds.
  • Pour the water, salt, milk, vanilla, and rice into a large microwave-safe bowl. Let the rice cook on high for 5 minutes. Once it’s done, stir the pudding and place it back in the microwave.
  • Next, pour in the milk and vanilla and bring to a boil while still stirring.
    Cook the pudding at low 350watt for 15-20 minutes. 
  • Stir the rice pudding to combine everything. The pudding should still be a little runny at this point. Let the pudding rest and set for 5-7 minutes to let the pudding thicken to a creamy porridge.
  • Once the rice is tender and the porridge is creamy and thick, ladle the porridge into bowls. Serve topped with a tablespoon of butter and a generous sprinkling of cinnamon sugar.
    Enjoy.

How to make risengroed in a haybox: insulation cooking

  • Cut the vanilla pod open lengthwise and use the knife to scrape out the seeds.
  • Pour the water into a large pot and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the rice and a pinch of salt. Let the rice boil for 2-3 minutes while stirring. 
  • Next, pour in the milk and vanilla and bring to a boil while still stirring.
    Once the water is boiling, turn the heat down to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Let the porridge simmer for 5-minutes while stirring often.
  • Next, place a towel in the middle of your bed and place the pot in the center. Wrap the pot in the towel and lots of blankets. Pile your duvet and blankets over and around the pot and leave the pot to cook for a couple of hours. After two hours you can check on the pudding and stir it to see how close it is to being done.
  • Once the rice is tender and the porridge is creamy and thick, ladle the porridge into bowls. Serve topped with a tablespoon of butter and a generous sprinkling of cinnamon sugar.
    Enjoy.

Rice pudding instant pot Instructions:

  • Prepare the Rice: Rinse the Arborio rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps create a lusciously creamy texture in your pudding.
  • Instant Pot Magic: For a hassle-free vegan rice pudding, embrace the wonders of your Instant Pot. Combine the rinsed rice, dairy-free milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in the Instant Pot.
  • Sealing the Flavors: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to the "Rice" setting. Allow the magic to unfold as the ingredients meld into a heavenly concoction. The Instant Pot creates a perfectly cooked base, and the plant-based milk ensures a sumptuously creamy consistency without the need for eggs.
  • A Dash of Flavor: Once the Instant Pot has worked its magic and the rice pudding is ready, stir in your preferred amount of ground cinnamon to infuse the pudding with that distinct Danish flair.
  • Serve and Elevate: Ladle the warm Danish Rice Pudding into festive bowls. Embrace the spirit of the season by adding optional toppings like a sprinkle of nutmeg, slivered almonds for a delightful crunch, or even dried cranberries for a burst of tartness that perfectly complements the sweet creaminess of the pudding.

Notes

Best rice for making rice pudding 
You can use different types of rice to make this delicious rice pudding. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of rice you use.
The best types of rice for making rice pudding are those with a high starch content, as they contribute to the creamy and velvety texture that is characteristic of a delicious rice pudding. Here are some rice varieties that work well for making rice pudding:
1. Arborio Rice: Arborio rice is a classic choice for rice pudding. Its high starch content gives the pudding a creamy consistency, and the grains remain slightly firm in the center, adding a pleasant texture.
2. Short-Grain Rice: Short-grain rice varieties like Calrose or Bomba rice are also excellent options. They absorb liquid well and release starch during cooking, resulting in a creamy and smooth pudding.
3. Carnaroli Rice: Carnaroli rice is another high-quality Italian rice variety known for its ability to absorb flavors and maintain a creamy texture. It's commonly used for risotto and can work wonderfully in rice pudding.
4. Sushi Rice: Sushi rice, often used for making sushi, has a sticky texture when cooked, making it suitable for creating a creamy rice pudding.
5. Basmati Rice: Basmati rice can be used to create a lighter and more fragrant version of rice pudding. It has a unique aroma and elongated grains, resulting in a different texture compared to traditional rice pudding.
6. Jasmine Rice: Jasmine rice is known for its delicate aroma and slightly sticky texture. While it may not be as creamy as some other varieties, it can still yield a delicious rice pudding with a distinctive flavor.