Ingredients

  • 5 cups whole milk
  • 2/3 cup Arborio rice
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest (from 1 medium orange)
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons orange liqueur
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Method

  • In a heavy, medium saucepan, combine the milk, rice, sugar, and orange zest.
  • Scrape in the seeds from the vanilla bean and add the bean to the saucepan.
  • Bring the milk to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens, about 35 to 40 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and discard the vanilla bean.
  • Stir the cocoa powder and orange liqueur into the mixture.
  • Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted.
  • Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Spoon the rice pudding into serving bowls.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 2 1/2 to 3 hours and up to 1 day ahead.