Gale Gand's Rice Pudding with Strawberries

Contributed by Gale Gand

In a strainer, rinse the rice under cold water for 1 minute. Transfer to a large saucepan and add the milk and salt. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the saucepan, add the vanilla bean and bring to a simmer. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove the rice from the heat and stir in the sugar.
Transfer the rice pudding to a large bowl set in a larger bowl of ice water and stir until cool, about 5 minutes. Discard the vanilla bean. Spoon half of the strawberries into 6 glasses. Add the rice pudding, top with the remaining strawberries and serve.