Description: This Coconut Mango Rice Pudding is a tropical twist on a classic comfort food. Creamy jasmine rice cooked in rich coconut milk is infused with the sweetness of ripe mangoes and a hint of vanilla. It’s a delightful dessert or breakfast that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Exotic Flavor Profile: The combination of creamy coconut, fragrant jasmine rice, and sweet mango creates an irresistible tropical flavor that will transport your taste buds.
- Comforting and Versatile: This rice pudding is incredibly comforting, perfect for a cozy night in. It can be served warm, chilled, or even as a light breakfast.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is a breeze to make.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and toppings to your liking. Add more mango, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or a drizzle of honey to personalize your pudding.
- Naturally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: A great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus extra for drizzling
- Optional: toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch, resulting in a creamier pudding.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Ensure the ingredients are well mixed to allow for even cooking and flavor distribution.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once it starts boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Cover the saucepan tightly and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally during the simmering process to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The rice should be creamy and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the pudding to cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the pudding to thicken further and allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: While the pudding is cooling, peel and dice the mangoes. Gently fold in most of the diced mango and honey into the rice pudding, reserving a few mango pieces for topping. This will ensure that the mangoes remain relatively intact and provide bursts of flavor in each bite.
Step 7: Spoon the pudding into individual serving bowls. Drizzle a little extra honey over each bowl and garnish with the reserved diced mango and toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
Step 8: Serve the Coconut Mango Rice Pudding warm or chilled, according to your preference. Both options provide a delightful experience. If serving chilled, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld further and for the pudding to thicken.
Cooking Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Dessert: Enjoy as a light and refreshing dessert after a meal.
- Breakfast: Start your day with a tropical twist by serving this pudding as a breakfast option.
- Snack: A perfect afternoon snack to satisfy your sweet cravings.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Try adding chopped nuts, chia seeds, or a dollop of yogurt.
- Pairing: Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or a refreshing glass of coconut water.
Tips:
- Rice Type: Jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrant aroma and creamy texture. However, you can experiment with other types of rice such as Arborio or Basmati. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk provides the best flavor and creaminess.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar and honey according to your preference.
- Mangoes: Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 100mg
Conclusion:
This Coconut Mango Rice Pudding is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture, exotic flavors, and ease of preparation make it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the taste of the tropics in every spoonful!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen mangoes instead of fresh mangoes?
A: While fresh mangoes are ideal for their vibrant flavor and texture, you can use frozen mangoes if fresh ones are not available. Thaw the frozen mangoes completely and drain any excess liquid before dicing and adding them to the pudding. Keep in mind that frozen mangoes might be slightly softer than fresh ones, so be gentle when folding them into the pudding.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is naturally dairy-free due to the use of coconut milk. To make it completely vegan, simply substitute the honey with a vegan alternative such as maple syrup or agave nectar. The flavor will remain delicious and the recipe will be suitable for vegans.
Q3: Can I add spices to the rice pudding?
A: Yes, you can definitely add spices to enhance the flavor profile of the rice pudding. Consider adding a pinch of ground cardamom, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the mixture while it’s simmering. These spices will complement the coconut and mango flavors beautifully and add a warm, aromatic touch. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference.
Q4: How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan?
A: To prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan, it’s important to stir the mixture occasionally throughout the cooking process. Also, make sure to use a saucepan with a heavy bottom to distribute the heat evenly. Keeping the heat on low after the initial boil is crucial. If you notice the rice is still sticking, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or coconut milk to the pan and stir gently.
Q5: Can I double or triple this recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to serve a larger crowd. Simply multiply all the ingredients by the desired factor. When cooking larger quantities, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the rice is cooked through and the pudding has reached the desired consistency. Use a larger saucepan to accommodate the increased volume and stir more frequently to prevent sticking.
