Method
Combine rice, 5 cups milk, sugar, salt, and cinnamon stick in a heavy saucepan.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy, 35–45 minutes.
Remove the cinnamon stick. Stir in vanilla, raisins if using, and enough remaining milk for a loose consistency.
Serve warm or cool rapidly and refrigerate. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
Notes
The pudding thickens substantially when chilled; reserve milk to loosen before service.
Related recipes and techniques
These are extensions, technique comparisons, or serving relationships; the complete recipe above remains usable as written.
- For another chilled, make-ahead grain preparation, see Maple Overnight Oats.
- Classic Rice Pilaf demonstrates the contrasting savory, separate-grain treatment of rice.