Rice pudding is a very tasty dessert that is relatively easy and quick to make. It takes no more than 20 minutes and it's super simple to make it without any kind of animal products! So you have no excuse not to prepare this delicacy!
It is also a gentle dessert that contrasts super well with the salted caramel, which is the special touch of this recipe.
In today's post, I tried to combine ancient flavors that remind us of our childhood, with something quite unusual, like salted caramel. The result is simply sensational! So, let's get to the kitchen.
The sweet rice from childhood and June parties
Rice pudding is a very traditional dessert here in Brazil. Indeed, if you are Brazilian, you probably have an affectionate memory of this sweet that was common on weekends, at grandmothers' homes, and especially at June parties.
In Brazil, in June we have this very traditional festivity, which was brought by the Portuguese in the early 16th century. Initially, it was a religious festival to celebrate Saint Anthony, the matchmaker saint. Today, however, although it has a religious connotation, the June Festival is celebrated by everyone. It is a great opportunity to eat some of the typical dishes of this time of year, among them, sweet rice.
Studying a little more about sweet rice, I discovered that it is very popular in other parts of the world and had its origin in Asia. In fact, when I lived in Thailand I fell in love with "mango sticky rice", but I think it is a very different dessert from the sweet rice we serve here in Brazil.
Anyway, if you have sweet rice there in your country, then tell me in the comments how you eat this dessert and if it is among your favorites or not.
Ingredients
With a very few ingredients you can make this recipe totally without animal products. In case you don't find vegan cream, you can also use coconut cream to make the salty caramel sauce
For the sweet rice
1 cup of rice
1 cup and a half of water
3 cups almond milk
pieces of orange peel
6 cloves
3 tablespoons of sugar
1 cinnamon stick
For the salted caramel syrup
2 cups demerara sugar
1 cup of brown sugar
1 packet of vegan cream
½ teaspoon of salt
Directions
In a saucepan add 1 cup of rice and 1 and ½ cups of hot water and bring to a simmer. In general, when cooking rice we always use the proportion of 1 measure of rice to 2 measures of water, but in this case, the idea is that the rice cooks and becomes a little "al dente" so it can absorb the perfumed milk that we will prepare in another pot.
While the rice is cooking, put the almond milk, the pieces of orange peel, the cloves, the cinnamon sticks, and the sugar in another pan.
In Brazil, we traditionally use coconut milk to make sweet rice. It is delicious. However, since in this recipe, we are going to add a salted caramel topping, I prefer the almond milk here, which is relatively milder than coconut milk.
While the rice is cooking in one pot, we will leave the milk cooking in another to bring out all the flavors. As soon as the rice water has drained from the pan, add the milk and stir well until it thickens slightly. Let's take the rice pudding off the heat when it has the consistency of a thick soup.
In the cooling process, it will absorb a lot of the liquids and gain the consistency of a cream. Therefore, it is important to take it off the heat when it is still at the point of a creamy soup. Now it's time to let it cool down.
I particularly like to eat warm rice pudding. However, if you prefer it cold, you can put it in a dish and take it to the fridge.
Ok, rice is done, now it's time for our amazing salted caramel. First, put the demerara sugar in a pan and let it melt, this process requires a little patience because we are going to use low heat, so don't worry about time. As the sugar melts, you will stir it little by little.
caramel phase 1
Caramel phase 2 - believe me, we will get there!
When the sugar is almost completely melted, add the brown sugar. As brown sugar has a stronger and more rustic taste, I believe it gives a very special flavor to the caramel. Let it melt completely and add the salt at the end. Finally, add the heavy cream at room temperature and stir well, until it has the consistency of a cream. Our salted caramel is ready!
The amazing transformation! Sorry guys but it is impossible to add the vegan cream, mix vigorously and take pictures of the same time. I'm studying to invest on a tripod to take better pictures, but still couldn't make it
Well, now it's time to serve. I chose this nice little glass and served it with some cinnamon, before adding the caramel. Do you know that dessert that is so tasty, so affectionate that it fills your heart with affection? Yes, this delicious rice pudding with salted caramel syrup!
How sexy is this dessert, hum? Babe, this is amazing!
I hope you feel the warmth and fondness of this recipe! And be sure to make it at home!
Until the next time!
H.
