Step 1

In a large pot over medium-high heat, bring the rice and water to a boil

Step 2

Lower heat to a heavy simmer and, stirring occasionally until water has absorbed

Step 3

This step usually takes about 10 minutes

Step 4

Add the sugar, vanilla bean seeds or extract, and ground cardamom

Step 5

Stir a few times to incorporate

Step 6

Bring heat back up to medium (medium-low if you are using a gas range)

Step 7

Add milk 1/3 of a cup at a time

Step 8

We recommend stirring constantly, which ensures you don't scorch the milk

Step 9

It takes about 5 minutes for each cup of milk to thicken and about 45 minutes in total to get all of the milk incorporated into the porridge

Step 10

Once all of the milk is incorporated and there is no longer any liquid in the pot, spoon the porridge into 2-4 bowls

Step 11

Sprinkle each serving with a 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and put a 1 tablespoon sized dab of butter atop the cinnamon

Step 12

Serve with fresh, frozen or dried fruit