Description
A cheap, creamy, and comforting single-serving dessert made with pantry staples like rice, milk, and vanilla. It costs less than a dollar to make and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup (40g) uncooked long-grain white rice
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk
- 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon butter (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the uncooked rice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir to ensure the rice is submerged.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly for the first 2 minutes to prevent clumping.
- Once the mixture begins to bubble gently, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for about 3 minutes until the liquid starts to thicken slightly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir every 2-3 minutes for 15-20 minutes. The rice should become tender but still have a slight bite, and the mixture should turn creamy and opaque.
- Once the rice is tender, turn off the heat. Stir in the optional butter if using. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness with more sugar or milk if needed.
- Pour into a bowl or mug and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken further before serving warm or refrigerating.
Notes
Do not use instant rice as it turns to mush. Do not use brown rice as it takes too long and doesn’t get as creamy. Stir frequently to prevent burning the bottom. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk. This recipe does not freeze well.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: budget dessert, rice pudding, single serving, cheap recipes, comfort food, vanilla rice pudding, easy dessert, pantry staples