When it comes to rice pudding, I feel as though people either love it or hate it. I happen to love a well-made rice pudding, one that isn’t too sweet or too overwhelmingly creamy. Since I have been experimenting with different dessert creations as of late, I decided this week to make a little rice pudding utilizing coconut milk and Basmati rice, two ingredients that I had in the house. It started with two basic building blocks and then took on a life of its own.
Into the pot went a cup of Basmati rice, 13.5 ounces of coconut milk, a teaspoon of sugar, a dash of fresh cinnamon, a dash of fresh nutmeg, and a bit of water. I brought it all up to a boil, then turned it down and let the rice simmer, tasting it as I went along until the rice was done to my liking. I enjoy it slightly al dente, but if you prefer creamier rice, you can always add a bit more liquid and cook longer.
When the rice was just about done, I poured in a shot of rum, stirred thoroughly, let the rice simmer for another minute, and then turned off the heat. Right before I turned off the heat, I added in a handful of golden raisins. I am almost out of these, and I need to stock up!
The rum cooks off leaving just a hint of flavor that goes marvelously with the coconut milk. Since there is very little sugar in the recipe, the pudding isn’t very sweet, but what it lacks in sugary sweetness, it makes up for in delightful tropical tastes.
I had a small bowl of this rice pudding with my kale smoothie and some almonds for a pre-workout breakfast, but it is also delicious as a dessert, warmed and topped with dark chocolate shavings.
Not bad for a “clean out the pantry” sort of recipe!
Are you a rice pudding fan? What is the most creative recipe you have come up with by cleaning out your fridge or pantry?
*I am still seeking guest posts for a guest post-palooza while I am away in Ireland. Interested in submitting a post about food, wine, travel, cocktails? I need to receive all posts by this coming Tuesday, January 24. Email me if you would like to participate!*
