Rice Pudding with date molasses

Rice pudding is the ultimate comfort food and also a ceremonial offering in many countries stretching from the Middle East to India. Although it comes in many guises and is called by various names, it is probably the world's most commonly known dessert. Comprising of staples like rice, milk, sugar and raisins, it is easily made from what's in your pantry on short notice.

Known as Kheer or Payesh in parts of India, it is made with many different varieties of rice and can range from condensed milk to molasses for the source of sweetness.

In my opinion, small grain rice gives it a better consistency and using equal parts cream and low fat milk gives it the right amount of creaminess. Cardamom, cinnamon , vanilla or simply bay leaves can be used to flavor it. I guess what I'm saying is that it is a very bendy recipe- you can do what strikes your fancy and there are no hard and fast rules, but just as you think that this is a breeze the pot boils over and you lose half the pudding. The tricky part is to keep an eye on the pot once it starts to simmer. It sticks real easy and it also boils over the minute you turn your back. My recipe is what works for me - feel free to play with it and make it your own and watch it disappear...

My Recipe for Rice Pudding with Date Molasses*:

1 cup small grained rice

2 bay leaves

2 cups milk

1 cup light cream

1/2 cup golden raisins

1/2 cup date molasses grated or pounded into a powder (add more if you like it really sweet)

2 pods crushed green cardamom seeds

1, Bring the milk to a boil with the bay leaves and add in the rice. Stir often and simmer the mixture uncovered till the rice is cooked and the mixture thickens.

2. Add in the molasses and continue cooking. It should get a rich color and be creamy in consistency. Add more milk or cream if the mixture is too thick. Stir in the raisins and sprinkle over with the cardamom. Refrigerate when cool and serve cold.

* Date molasses can be found in any Indian grocery store. They come in great big hard lumps in a jar.