Creamy Norwegian Almond Rice Pudding
Experience the rich and comforting flavors of Scandinavia with this Creamy Norwegian Almond Rice Pudding. Perfect for any dessert lover, this dish boasts a harmonious blend of tender rice, buttery almonds, and delicate hints of nutmeg and almond extract. Whether served warm or chilled, this pudding is topped with soft whipped cream, making it an inviting treat for all occasions.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
long-grain rice
3/4 cup (rinsed and drained)
water
6 cups (boiling)
milk
1 quart
salt
1 teaspoon
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
sugar
2 tablespoons
almond extract
1/2 teaspoon
nutmeg
to taste (freshly ground)
blanched almonds
1/2 cup (coarsely ground)
heavy cream
1 cup (whipped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Rinse the rice in a strainer with cold water and then pour the boiling water over it to further rinse. Ensure it drains well.
2
In the top section of a double boiler, combine the rice, milk, and salt. Stir well. Cover and gently cook over simmering water for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and creamy.
3
Once the rice is creamy, remove from heat and fold in the melted butter, sugar, almond extract, and nutmeg. Stir well until the ingredients are fully integrated.
4
Fold in the coarsely ground almonds and stir until well mixed.
5
Serve the pudding warm immediately or allow it to chill in the refrigerator before serving.
6
Before serving, top each portion with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Norwegian Almond Rice Pudding?
It is a traditional Scandinavian dessert featuring tender rice, buttery almonds, and hints of nutmeg.
What kind of rice is best for this pudding?
Long-grain rice is recommended for its texture and ability to absorb the milk effectively.
Why do I need to rinse the rice twice?
Rinsing with cold and then boiling water ensures the rice is clean and begins the softening process.
Why is a double boiler used?
A double boiler provides gentle, indirect heat that prevents the milk and rice from burning or sticking.
How long does it take to cook the rice mixture?
The rice should cook for 1 to 1.5 hours until it becomes thick and creamy.
Can I use whole milk for this recipe?
Yes, whole milk is preferred as it yields the richest and most traditional flavor.
Is this Norwegian rice pudding gluten-free?
Rice is naturally gluten-free, so as long as your extracts and ingredients are certified, the dish is gluten-free.
What purpose does the almond extract serve?
It enhances the natural nuttiness of the ground almonds for a more fragrant dessert.
Why are the almonds blanched?
Blanched almonds have the skins removed, which ensures a smooth texture and uniform color.
How should the almonds be ground?
They should be coarsely ground to add a subtle crunch without being too fine like flour.
Can I serve this pudding cold?
Yes, it can be served chilled from the refrigerator or served warm immediately after cooking.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is the nutmeg essential to the flavor?
Nutmeg provides a traditional warm spice note that is a hallmark of Scandinavian rice puddings.
Can I substitute brown rice for long-grain white rice?
Brown rice has a different texture and takes longer to cook, so long-grain white rice is recommended for this specific recipe.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Stirring the mixture occasionally while it is in the double boiler helps prevent sticking.
What is the expected texture of this pudding?
The pudding should be thick, creamy, and soft with small pieces of ground almonds.
Can I add dried fruit like raisins?
While not in the original recipe, raisins are a popular variation in many rice pudding traditions.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the pudding last in the fridge?
The pudding remains fresh for 3 to 4 days when stored properly.
Can I freeze Norwegian rice pudding?
Freezing is not recommended as it can cause the dairy to separate and the rice texture to become grainy.
Is this a traditional holiday dish?
Yes, almond rice pudding is a classic comfort food often served during the Christmas season in Norway.
What is the recommended topping?
A generous dollop of freshly whipped heavy cream is the traditional and recommended garnish.
Can I use pre-ground nutmeg?
Freshly ground nutmeg offers the best flavor, but pre-ground nutmeg is a suitable substitute.
What if I do not have a double boiler?
You can use a heat-safe bowl placed over a pot of simmering water to achieve the same result.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your preferred level of sweetness without ruining the pudding.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Either works, but unsalted allows for better control over the total salt content of the dish.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of almond extract?
You can, but almond extract is what gives this specific Norwegian version its distinct flavor.
Is the heavy cream mixed in or used as a topping?
In this recipe, the heavy cream is whipped and used as a garnish on top of each portion.
What does the melted butter add to the dish?
The melted butter adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the rice base.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can attempt using coconut milk or almond milk, though the flavor and thickness will differ from the original.