Cardamom Rice Pudding with Golden Raisins

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the beans from the pod. Add them both to a large saucepan, along with 4 cups of the milk and the sugar, rice, and salt. Bring just to a boil over medium-high heat (watch carefully—it boils over easily!), partially cover the pan, and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook until the rice is very soft, about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally at first and more frequently as the mixture thickens. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully remove the vanilla bean pods. (You can rinse the pods and store them in a jar of sugar, which will infuse the sugar with vanilla flavor.)

   Step 2

   Meanwhile, position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350°F.

   Step 3

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 cups milk with the egg, yolks, cardamom, and orange zest. Using a heatproof measuring cup, scoop out about 1 cup of the hot rice mixture. Whisking the egg mixture constantly, add the rice mixture to the eggs in a steady stream and whisk to blend. Repeat with another 1 cup of the rice. Then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and whisk to blend. Stir in the raisins.

   Step 4

   Transfer to an 8 by 12-inch glass or metal baking dish and place the dish in another, larger baking or roasting pan at least as deep as the baking dish. Fill the pan with enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish.

   Step 5

   Bake uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pudding is thickened but still fairly fluid, about 40 minutes. (The rice will absorb the remaining liquid as it cools.)

   Step 6

   Let cool slightly. Serve while still warm.

2. Note

   Step 7

   You could use jasmine or other long-grain rice instead, but basmati seems to hold up the best under the long cooking time.