- 1 1/2 cups short-grain white rice such as Arborio
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 (2-inch) piece cinnamon stick
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 qt whole milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Accompaniments: warm milk; sugar (preferably turbinado); ground cinnamon
- Bring rice, water, cinnamon stick, and salt to a simmer in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot, then reduce heat to low and gently simmer, covered, until water is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add 2 cups milk with sugar and cream and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until rice has absorbed most of milk but is still creamy, about 10 minutes. Add 1 cup milk and simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Stir in remaining cup milk and simmer, stirring constantly, until rice is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cover, then let stand 15 minutes. Serve warm.