| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 625 | 15g | 7g | 102g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 68g | 2g | 13g | 0.4g |
From the vibrant gardens of my native California to your own personal kitchen, I am delighted to share with you today one of my absolute favorites – the Jujube Rice Pudding Recipe. This scrumptious dessert (which also doubles as a hearty breakfast or indulgent snack) marries the creamy richness of traditional rice pudding with the unique flavor and health benefits of jujube fruits. This comforting, filling and truly delectable recipe is a testament to my cooking philosophy – a blend of classic American comfort with a healthy West Coast flair.
The Joy of Jujubes
Now, if you’re asking yourself what a jujube fruit is, you’re definitely not alone. These sweet and nutritious fruits, native to Asia, offer a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants – a perfect embodiment of Californian health-consciousness that I hold dear. Their unique flavor profile combines a crisp apple’s refreshing bite with the plush sweetness of dates, adding a wonderful complexity to the creamy texture of the Arborio rice in our Jujube Rice Pudding Recipe.
All About Balance
Balance is key in this recipe, as in life. The slight sharpness of the orange zest complements the sweetness of the jujube fruit, and the slivered almonds provide a delightful crunch, contrasting the silky smoothness of the pudding. And let’s not forget the dash of ground cinnamon, a classic in any rice pudding recipe, that brings all these diverse flavors and textures together harmoniously.
One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. Whip it up for a leisurely brunch on a weekend or enjoy a bowl as a cozy after-dinner dessert. With its blend of hearty rice and refreshing fruit, it’s reminiscent of Middle Eastern rice puddings, though the jujube fruit gives it a wholly unique taste twist. And for those who may be watching their waistlines like we often do in sunny California, jujube fruits are a low-calorie treat that also aids digestion.
Excitingly, our Jujube Rice Pudding Recipe pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Consider serving it after a light, refreshing salad for a delightful contrast, or perhaps as a sweet counterpart to a savory grilled steak dish. But honestly, it’s an absolute treat just on its own too.
I truly hope you come to adore this recipe as much as I do. Let it remind you that healthy food can indeed be comforting and delicious, all at once. So go ahead, give this Jujube Rice Pudding Recipe a try! It’s a delightful fusion of tradition and innovation, comfort and health, just like my sunny Californian home.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups of Arborio rice
- 4 cups of water
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 6 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of jujube fruits, pitted and chopped
- 1 tablespoon of orange zest
- 1/2 cup of slivered almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Method
Step One
Begin by taking a large pot and adding the Arborio rice, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer uncovered for around 15 minutes or until the rice becomes tender and the majority of the water has been absorbed.
Step Two
Next, pour the whole milk and sugar into the pot with the rice. Stir the mixture then let it simmer on low heat, ensuring to stir it frequently. Allow it to cook till the rice absorbs the milk and the mixture has a creamy consistency. This would usually take around 30-40 minutes.
Step Three
While the rice is cooking in the milk, prepare the jujube fruits by removing their pits and chopping them into small bite-sized pieces. You will need about 2 cups of these chopped fruits. Keep them aside until needed.
Step Four
Once the rice has absorbed the milk and acquired a creamy consistency, stir in the chopped jujube fruits, vanilla extract, orange zest and slivered almonds. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
Step Five
Finally, sprinkle the rice pudding with cinnamon before serving. Serve warm or chilled depending on your preference.
Enjoy this delicious and unique take on rice pudding, where the jujube fruits add a delightful pop of flavour!
