Budino di riso al vino e cardamomo

Unfortunately we didn't have internet connection at home last week, so I couldn't finish to post my story about Germany. I will do so soon, but first, I want to write at least a few posts with some recipes, as I realize I'm missing almost all the food blog events I usually love to take part to! I guess I'm still readjusting from the move+trip.. So, let's not waste any more time, and let's start with a cardamom-centered invention of mine, prepared for the 'Think Spice' event, started by Sunita, and hosted this month at 'Simple Indian Food'! I love the smell and flavor of cardamom, and I thought I could use it in a special rice pudding that I prepared. It was ready before the deadline of the event, but now I'm past it.. we'll see if it's still accepted. :)
I prepared this pudding based on a Mexican recipe, although in the original there's no cardamom or wine, and raisins are added at the end.

Budino di riso al vino con cardamomo, in tre vesti diverse / Rice pudding with wine and cardamom, three styles
To make the basic version, cook one cup of long grain rice in 3 cups of water, with 1 stick of cinnamon, grated zest of one lemon, and a pinch of salt. Cook covered until almost all the water has been absorbed. Then, remove the cinnamon stick, and add 2 cups of milk and 2 cups of red wine, and ~1 cup of sugar (more or less, to taste). Add 2 tsp ground cardamom, and cook until it thickens. This little amount of rice produced a huge volume of pudding, as it absorbs all the liquid you add. So, there is enough to divide into three parts for fun! To one part, I just added strawberries (when it was cold). To a second part, I added dark, bitter, chocolate pieces. To a third part, I added a teaspoon of heavy cream. I struggled to decide which taste I preferred. I think the one with strawberries, but all of them were an absolute delight. Highly recommended!

Looking forward to reading all the other entries for the 'Think spice, think cardamom' event!