I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s rice pudding with strawberry jam. I was in my tiny kitchen on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The warm aroma of milk and vanilla filled the air while I stirred the pudding slowly. By the time I tasted it, the silky rice, sweet strawberry jam, and creamy texture had me hooked. It felt like comfort food, nostalgia, and a little indulgence all in one spoonful.
This recipe is simple but magical. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you pause and savor every bite. You don’t need a fancy oven or rare ingredients. All it takes is a little patience and love in the kitchen.
Jamie Oliver’s Rice Pudding With Strawberry Jam Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s version of rice pudding is different from your typical one. He keeps it simple and lets the ingredients shine. Here’s what makes it special:
- Creamy texture that isn’t too heavy
- Natural sweetness from the jam rather than just sugar
- Warm, comforting aroma of vanilla and milk
- Easy to adapt for mornings or dessert
It’s one of those recipes that feels like home. You can enjoy it alone or serve it to impress friends without stress.
Ingredients Needed
I always like laying everything out before starting. It makes cooking less stressful and more fun. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g pudding rice (or any short-grain rice)
- 1 liter whole milk
- 50g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 vanilla pod (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt
- Strawberry jam (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional: a knob of butter for extra creaminess
I like to have all my ingredients on the counter before turning on the stove. It’s small, but it makes a big difference in keeping the cooking flow smooth.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Rice Pudding With Strawberry Jam
The first time I made it, I realized that patience is key. Here’s a step-by-step:
- Prep the rice: Rinse it briefly under cold water. Drain well.
- Heat the milk: Pour milk into a wide pan and split the vanilla pod, scraping out the seeds. Add both seeds and pod to the milk. Warm gently.
- Add rice: Stir the rice into the warm milk. Keep the heat low.
- Simmer: Cook slowly for 30-40 minutes, stirring often. The rice should absorb the milk and become creamy.
- Sweeten: Stir in sugar and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust.
- Finish: Remove from heat, take out the vanilla pod. Stir in a knob of butter if desired.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with strawberry jam. You can drizzle or swirl it for a pretty effect.
I like to serve mine warm. The jam melts slightly into the pudding, creating pockets of sweetness that feel like little surprises.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
I love understanding why ingredients behave the way they do. With this pudding:
- Pudding rice: Its high starch content makes the mixture thick and creamy.
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness; the fat helps the pudding stay smooth.
- Sugar: It doesn’t just sweeten; it slightly lowers the boiling point and helps keep the milk from curdling.
- Vanilla: Its compounds bind with milk proteins and enhance aroma and flavor.
- Jam: Adds fruit acids that balance the creaminess and sweetness.
Knowing a bit of the science makes cooking feel more like an experiment rather than a chore.
Expert Tips
Over the years, I learned a few tricks that make this pudding better:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent scorching.
- Stir gently but regularly to avoid lumps.
- If you like a creamier texture, add a splash of cream at the end.
- Make extra rice pudding; it keeps in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
- Don’t rush the cooking; slow simmering gives the best creaminess.
Recipe Variations
Sometimes, I like to play around. Here are some twists:
- Berry mix: Use raspberry or blueberry jam instead of strawberry.
- Spiced pudding: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg while simmering.
- Vegan: Swap milk for oat or almond milk and butter for coconut oil.
- Crunchy topping: Toasted almonds or granola add texture on top.
- Caramel swirl: Add a little caramel instead of jam for a decadent treat.
Each variation changes the flavor but keeps that comforting vibe intact.
Final Words
Every time I make this pudding, it reminds me why cooking can feel magical. It’s simple yet rewarding. The warmth, the sweet aroma, the first spoonful-it’s like a hug on a plate. Jamie Oliver’s recipe turns a humble dessert into something extraordinary.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Rice Pudding With Strawberry Jam?
You’ll need short-grain rice, milk, sugar, vanilla, butter, and strawberry jam for this recipe.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Jam For This Rice Pudding Recipe?
Yes! You can swap the strawberry jam for any other fruit jam you prefer, like raspberry or blackberry.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Rice Pudding With Strawberry Jam?
It takes around 40-45 minutes to make, including cooking time and preparation.