All we can think of is a bowl of some good old rice pudding this National Rice Pudding Day taking place on August 9. For many of us, starting from our childhood to our adulthood, rice pudding has been a staple in our diets. Made with a base of rice cooked in milk and sweetened with sugar, syrup, or honey, rice pudding can be found in many cultures and cuisines all over the world. Of course, each region has its own unique take on the dish. Some add nuts and spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, or cardamom to it, while others throw in a dash of wine to give it that wow factor. For a more fragrant look and feel, many people in the Middle East also add pistachio slivers and rose petals before serving it. You can have it hot or cold, and as a breakfast dish or a dessert after dinner. So, how are you having your rice pudding on August 9?
History of National Rice Pudding Day
National Rice Pudding Day celebrates the ancient rice pudding dish in all its glory and greatness. While we may know the sweet version of the dish today, did you know that it actually started out as a savory treat? It is difficult to pinpoint the exact location and time of the creation of rice pudding, but many scholars believe it may have originated in either ancient China or in ancient India. Both these countries have a long history of including rice as well as sugar in their religious and cultural activities, so it only makes sense that the combination of the two may have been included in their cuisines as well. ‘Kheer,’ which is Hindi for rice pudding, was first recorded in ancient India in 6000 B.C., and it was included as a staple in a prescribed Ayurvedic diet regime. It is also interesting to note that the early versions of the Indian rice pudding did not actually include rice or sugar. In place of rice, Indians made use of the cereal grain known as sorghum.
Elsewhere in the world, rice pudding was being made with rice. The grain had reached Europe through exports delivered by water or the Silk Road in the 1300s. Because it was being exported from Asia and was not being grown in Europe, rice automatically became extremely expensive. Thus, rice pudding could only be enjoyed by the elite and royalty of European countries. Before the 1500s, rice pudding was savory in nature. It was made with rice being boiled in a broth with saffron and almond milk. Chefs started including sugar into the dish to make it sweet, and soon a sweetened rice pudding started gaining popularity. It was in the eighteenth century that rice pudding became more commonplace and less expensive, all thanks to globalization. The lowered rice prices meant the grain was in easier reach of the masses, and in today’s world, it is considered to be a cheap, but filling meal.
National Rice Pudding Day timeline
Ancient India includes rice pudding in the Ayurvedic diet in order to ensure healthy living.
Rice pudding, known as Forme of Cury or rice pottage, is made with rice, almond milk, and saffron in English Royal kitchens.
Some of the modern-age rice pudding recipes come from the Tudor time period, and are called ‘whitepot.’
Rice grains become cheaper, allowing access to the public who can now enjoy rice pudding treats, unlike their predecessors.
National Rice Pudding Day FAQs
Is rice pudding good or bad for you?
Rice pudding is made with simple ingredients: rice, sugar, and milk. Depending on the recipe, it can include nutritional sources like calcium and protein.
What rice is used for rice pudding?
The special rice that is used to make rice pudding can be sticky rice or any rice that can easily be broken in the cooking process. The ideal rice type for rice pudding includes grains that are short, round, and break down to form a creamy texture.
Why is my rice pudding not creamy?
If your rice pudding is not creamy, you can try adding a little milk to the mixture. Once the mixture cools down, it will likely get creamier and thicker.
How To Celebrate National Rice Pudding Day
Make rice pudding
Take a trip down memory lane and make your favorite rice pudding recipe. Because of its versatility, you can choose to have it hot or cold, and for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Rice pudding is one of the highest-rated comfort foods out there because of its gooey, yet grainy texture that leaves one filled with love and warmth.
Have a rice pudding contest
Participating in a rice pudding competition is one of the best ways to celebrate the day. There are two ways you can go about doing this. You can either hold a rice pudding cooking competition or you can have an eating competition. Whether you choose one, two, or have both, it’s going to be a fun-filled day.
Try a new rice pudding recipe
Going back to what is tried and tested can be comforting, but seeking out the new can reward you with invaluable experiences. Give new rice pudding recipes a try. It could be a sweet or a savory recipe, the choice is yours.
5 Facts About Rice That Will Blow Your Mind
Sticky rice for strong cement
The Great Wall of China is held together with sticky rice that has been mixed with calcium carbonate.
White rice is brown rice
All white rice comes from brown rice, and this is because the white rice has the brown coating of bran removed.
Rice is grown everywhere but Antarctica
Rice is grown everywhere except Antarctica because of the continent’s extremely cold temperatures.
The shelf-life is decades long
Rice, when stored in a cool and dry environment, will be good to consume for the next 10 to 30 years.
Good for health
Because rice contains several minerals and antioxidants, it is great for your health, particularly for your skin.
Why We Love National Rice Pudding Day
It’s a celebration of rice pudding
Rice pudding has come a long way in terms of development. It has been enjoyed by millions for centuries. With easy-to-make recipes and simple yet enjoyable taste, rice pudding is loved by many all over the globe.
It’s a celebration of ancient times
A look into ancient history will reveal a lot of information on how people led their lives in order to ensure healthy and peaceful living. One historical overview of rice pudding allows us just that benefit of looking into how human civilizations utilized a single rice pudding dish in their daily lives.
It’s a celebration of a staple food item
Rice is a staple food item for many countries in the world. In fact, 50% of the world’s population consumes rice on a daily basis. Apart from helping our skin stay smooth and supple, rice also aids in healthy hair, is good for our overall health, and keeps our tummies filled and happy.
National Rice Pudding Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | August 9 | Friday |
| 2025 | August 9 | Saturday |
| 2026 | August 9 | Sunday |
| 2027 | August 9 | Monday |
| 2028 | August 9 | Wednesday |
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