Strawberry rice pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white rice (such as Arborio or jasmine rice)
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk (whole milk or a milk alternative like almond milk or coconut milk)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean pod, split lengthwise and seeds scraped out
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• Pinch of salt
• Optional garnish: additional diced strawberries and fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender and most of the water is absorbed.

2. Add milk and sugar:

   • Stir in the milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, or vanilla bean seeds. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to thicken and simmer gently.

3. Simmer and stir:

   • Continue to simmer the rice pudding mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pudding reaches your desired consistency. Be sure to stir more frequently as the pudding thickens to prevent sticking and burning.

4. Add diced strawberries:

   • Once the rice pudding has reached the desired consistency and the rice is creamy, stir in the diced strawberries. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften the strawberries slightly.

5. Remove from heat:

   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice pudding cool slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the Strawberry Rice Pudding warm or chilled, garnished with additional diced strawberries and fresh mint leaves if desired.

7. Enjoy:

   • Enjoy this delicious and comforting dessert with the wonderful flavors of strawberries and vanilla!

This Strawberry Rice Pudding with Vanilla is perfect for enjoying as a dessert or a sweet snack. It's creamy, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with family and friends!