Gather ingredients: pudding rice, milk, sugar, salt, butter, vanilla extract (optional), ground cinnamon (optional), raisins (optional)
Rinse pudding rice under cold water (optional)
In a saucepan, combine pudding rice and milk (use about 1 cup pudding rice to 4–5 cups milk)
Add sugar to taste (start with about 2–4 tablespoons)
Add a pinch of salt
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring to prevent sticking
Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until rice is tender and mixture thickens (about 30–45 minutes)
Stir in butter (about 1–2 tablespoons) for a richer texture
Add vanilla extract (about 1 teaspoon) and cinnamon (optional)
If using raisins, stir them in during the last 10–15 minutes
If too thick, add a splash of milk and stir until smooth
If too thin, simmer a few more minutes, stirring often
Spoon into serving dishes
Serve warm or chill until set (about 2 hours)