RICE PUDDING WITH SEA SALT-CARAMEL SAUCE

Rice Pudding with Sea Salt-Caramel Sauce image

Provided by Greg Lofts

Time 2h50m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup Italian short-grain rice, such as Carnaroli or Arborio
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla paste or extract
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, such as Jacobsen
Chopped pistachios, raisins, dried apricots, and toffee bits, for serving
Fresh raspberries and blackberries, for topping

Steps:

Bring milk, rice, and kosher salt to a boil in a medium saucepan, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until mixture has the texture of creamy porridge, 30 to 35 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons sugar and vanilla. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
Meanwhile, in another medium saucepan, stir together remaining 3/4 cup sugar and corn syrup. Cover and cook over medium-high heat until sugar has dissolved and mixture boils, about 5 minutes. Uncover; continue boiling, swirling pan occasionally until mixture turns amber, 3 to 4 minutes more (if crystals start to form, brush down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush).
Carefully add 1/2 cup cream in a steady stream (it will bubble vigorously). Remove from heat, add flaky sea salt, and stir until smooth. Let cool completely.
Whisk remaining 3/4 cup cream to soft peaks; fold into cooled rice pudding. Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours (and up to 2 days). Serve rice pudding in bowls with caramel sauce, pistachios, dried fruits, toffee, and fresh berries on the side.