Indian Cardamom Infused Rice Pudding

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup basmati rice rinsed
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 pods cardamom crushed
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds toasted
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands soaked in 1 tablespoon warm milk

Instructions

1. 1 Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2 In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the milk and crushed cardamom pods. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. 3 Add the rinsed rice to the boiling milk. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens, about 25-30 minutes.
4. 4 Stir in the sugar, raisins, and salt. Continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the pudding reaches your desired consistency.
5. 5 Remove from heat and stir in the saffron milk and half of the toasted almonds.
6. 6 Transfer the pudding to serving bowls, garnish with the remaining toasted almonds, and serve warm or chilled.