This homemade cream of rice is a comforting and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast or any time of the day! Learn how simple it is to grind your own cream of rice, free from any additives or chemicals.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword Cream of Rice, DIY Cream of Rice, Homemade Cream of Rice
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time 5 minutesminutes
Total Time 10 minutesminutes
Servings 6Servings (1/3 cup)
Calories 323kcal
Cost $5
Equipment
High-Speed Blender or Grain Mill
Ingredients
2cupsrice
4cupsmilk
1/4tspsalt
Instructions
To Make Dry Cream of Rice
Optional: Before grinding the rice, rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, debris, or impurities. Drain the rice well and spread it out on a clean kitchen towel to dry. The drying process can take between 4 hours and a full day.
Once the rice is dry, transfer it to a high-speed blender like a Vitamix or a grain mill. Grind the rice on a high setting until it reaches a fine powder-like consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender or mill occasionally to ensure that all the rice is ground evenly.
Cooking the Cream of Rice
In a saucepan, combine the homemade rice flour, water or milk, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure that the rice flour is evenly incorporated into the liquid.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the cream of rice thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
If the cream of rice becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding more water or milk, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Once the cream of rice is cooked to perfection, you can sweeten it and add flavorings to suit your taste preferences. Common sweeteners include honey, maple syrup, or sugar, while flavorings such as cinnamon, vanilla extract, or fruit compote can be added for extra flavor. You can also opt for a savory cream of rice if desired.
Spoon the hot cream of rice into serving bowls and enjoy it immediately. You can also add toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for added texture and flavor.
Notes
Can I use any type of rice to make homemade cream of rice?While white rice varieties like jasmine or long-grain rice are commonly used for making cream of rice due to their smooth texture, you can experiment with other rice types. Keep in mind that different rice varieties may yield slightly different textures and flavors.
Is homemade cream of rice gluten-free?Yes, homemade cream of rice made from ground rice flour is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. However, you'll need to ensure that any additional ingredients used are certified gluten-free if cross-contamination is a concern!
Can I make a larger batch of homemade rice flour and store it for later use?Absolutely! Grinding a larger quantity of rice into flour and storing it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place can save time for future batches of cream of rice or other recipes requiring rice flour.
How do I adjust the consistency of cream of rice if it's too thick or thin?If your cream of rice turns out too thick, simply add more water or milk (or a combination) gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, simmer it for a bit longer to allow it to thicken, or add a small amount of additional rice flour while stirring continuously.
Can I make savory versions of cream of rice?Yes, cream of rice can be adapted to savory versions by adding savory seasonings such as salt, pepper, herbs, and even cheese or vegetables during the cooking process. Savory cream of rice can be enjoyed as a side dish or base for savory toppings.
How do I prevent lumps when cooking cream of rice?To prevent lumps in your cream of rice, ensure that the rice flour is thoroughly mixed with the liquid (water or milk) before heating. Stir continuously while cooking over low heat to achieve a smooth consistency without lumps.
Can I use alternative sweeteners in cream of rice?Yes, you can use a variety of sweeteners in cream of rice, including honey, maple syrup, sugar, or alternative sweeteners like stevia or agave syrup. Adjust the sweetness to your taste preference.
Can I make cream of rice without dairy?Yes, you can make dairy-free cream of rice by using plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk. You can even use water if needed.