1 cup Aborio or other short grain rice

1 cup water

2-4 slices of lemon rind

2 star anise or 1 cinnamon stick

4 cups whole milk

1/4 cup sugar (or more for sweeter pudding)

Pinch of salt

Cinnamon for Sprinkling

In a medium saucepan, cook the rice over medium high heat, until all the water evaporates.

Add the lemon rind and star anise or the cinnamon stick.

Add the milk, 1 cup at a time, stirring well until the rice mixture becomes thick and creamy. Then repeat with the second cup , third cup and fourth cup.

Add the sugar and salt, stirring to mix completely, remove from heat.

Let cool for 10 minutes and remove lemon rind, star anise or cinnamon stick.

Pour into a large serving bowl or individual ramekins.

Serve warm or refrigerate if serving chilled.

Top with ground cinnamon or other garnishes of choice.