In a large pot over medium-high heat, bring the rice and water to a boil
Lower heat to a heavy simmer and, stirring occasionally until water has absorbed
This step usually takes about 10 minutes
Add the sugar, vanilla bean seeds or extract, and ground cardamom
Stir a few times to incorporate
Bring heat back up to medium (medium-low if you are using a gas range)
Add milk ⅓ of a cup at a time
We recommend stirring constantly, which ensures you don't scorch the milk
It takes about 5 minutes for each cup of milk to thicken and about 45 minutes in total to get all of the milk incorporated into the porridge
Once all of the milk is incorporated and there is no longer any liquid in the pot, spoon the porridge into 2-4 bowls
Sprinkle each serving with a ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and put a 1 tablespoon sized dab of butter atop the cinnamon
Serve with fresh, frozen or dried fruit