Prepare the Rice: Rinse the uncooked short-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice thoroughly.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, unsweetened non-dairy milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Bring to a Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Cook the Rice: Once the mixture reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let the rice cook, uncovered, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency. Stir occasionally during this time.
Add Raisins (Optional): If using raisins, stir them into the rice pudding during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Serve: Once the rice is cooked and the pudding has reached the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the rice pudding cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy: Serve the vegan rice pudding warm or chilled, depending on your preference. You can garnish it with additional ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of raisins, if desired. Enjoy!