Brûléed Rice Pudding with Honeyed Citrus is a luxurious dessert that blends the creaminess of classic rice pudding with the crisp sweetness of a caramelized sugar top. The honeyed citrus adds a fresh and bright contrast to the rich pudding, creating a perfect balance of comfort and elegance—ideal for winter gatherings or festive dinners.
1. Ingredients
For the Rice Pudding:
- ¾ cup short-grain rice (like Arborio)
- 4 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Honeyed Citrus:
- 2 oranges, peeled and sliced
- 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Brûlée Topping:
- 4 tablespoons sugar (for sprinkling and torching)
2. Cooking Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Chill time: 1 hour
- Total time: About 1 hour 50 minutes
3. Serving Quantity
- Serves 6
4. Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a heavy saucepan, combine rice, milk, cream, sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer: Cook uncovered for 35–40 minutes, stirring often until the rice is tender and the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Flavor: Stir in vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly, then spoon into ramekins or small bowls. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Honeyed Citrus: In a bowl, drizzle honey and lemon juice over the sliced oranges and grapefruit. Toss gently and let sit for 15 minutes to marinate.
- Brûlée the Pudding: Sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of sugar over each pudding. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp golden crust.
- Serve: Spoon the honeyed citrus over the top or serve it alongside for a refreshing finish.
5. Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 38 g
6. Tips for Best Results
- For extra flavor, add a strip of orange peel to the rice as it cooks, then remove before serving.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place the puddings under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully.
- Use a mix of citrus fruits for a colorful and tangy topping.
- Serve chilled for contrast against the warm caramelized top.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the brûléed sugar for a sweet-salty touch.
Brûléed Rice Pudding with Honeyed Citrus is creamy, caramelized, and full of brightness—an elegant dessert to end any meal on a high note.
