Aromatic Rice Pudding From India

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Wash rice until the water runs clear, then drain in a sieve. Spread on a towel and use a rolling pin to break the rice into smaller pieces. You do not want a mush, or evenly sized pieces. Set aside in sieve to dry.

2. Step 2

   Meanwhile, place milk in a large, heavy pot and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, then lower the heat until milk is barely simmering. Add the cinnamon and cardamom. Cook 45 minutes or until the milk has reduced to about 6 cups; stir frequently to prevent sticking and to prevent a skin from forming on the surface. (If a skin does form, stir it back in.)

3. Step 3

   Add rice and salt and continue to cook over low heat, stirring, until rice is tender, 35 to 40 minutes. As it cooks, the mixture will thicken; if the rice is not yet cooked and the mixture is very thick, add more milk.

4. Step 4

   When rice is very soft but not mushy, add sugar and stir to dissolve. Cook 5 minutes, then taste for sweetness; add more sugar if you wish. Remove cinnamon and cardamom. Serve warm or at room temperature.