Balinese Black Rice Pudding Recipe
Description
Balinese Black Rice Pudding is a delightful and wholesome dessert hailing from Indonesia. This comforting dish is crafted using black glutinous rice that’s slowly simmered in rich coconut milk, creating a luscious, creamy pudding. The addition of Pandan leaves (optional for fragrance), sweet palm sugar (Gula Melaka), and a touch of salt enhances the dish’s natural depth of flavor. Topped with a dollop of velvety coconut cream and garnished with warm, caramelized banana slices, this traditional Balinese treat offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Enjoy it warm or cold—either way, it’s bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Cuisine: Asian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black Rice | 1/2 cup |
| Coconut Milk | 1 cup |
| Water | 1 1/2 cups |
| Palm Sugar (Gula Melaka) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| For Garnish | |
| Ripe Bananas | 1 |
| Palm Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time
0 minutes (soaking time for rice not included)
Cooking Time
90 minutes
Instructions
-
Soak the Black Rice
Begin by washing the black rice thoroughly. Once rinsed, soak it in water for at least 6 hours to soften it. If you’re short on time, you can soak it overnight for best results. -
Cook the Rice
After the soaking period, drain the rice and transfer it to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add 1 cup of coconut milk, 1 1/2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt to the pan. Set the saucepan over high heat and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, ensuring the rice cooks gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and let the rice simmer for about 60-75 minutes, or until the liquid is nearly absorbed and the rice is tender. -
Add Palm Sugar
Once the rice is cooked, stir in 2 tablespoons of palm sugar. Adjust the sweetness to your taste, adding more if desired. Allow the pudding to cook for another 5-10 minutes to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and infuses the rice with its rich flavor. -
Prepare the Bananas
While the pudding is cooking, peel and slice the ripe banana into thin rounds. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of palm sugar. Once the sugar starts to melt and bubble, add the banana slices. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until the bananas are golden and caramelized. -
Serve
Once the rice pudding is ready, remove it from the heat. Spoon the pudding into bowls and drizzle with a bit of coconut milk for extra creaminess. Top with the caramelized banana slices and serve. You can enjoy this Balinese Black Rice Pudding either warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This Balinese Black Rice Pudding is an ideal dessert to enjoy after a light, flavorful meal. For a complete meal pairing, serve it after a delicious Vegetarian Thai Red Curry alongside steamed jasmine rice. The contrast of savory and sweet flavors will make the meal even more satisfying.
Tips for Variation:
- Pandan Leaves: To add an extra layer of fragrance, you can add Pandan leaves while cooking the rice. Simply tie a knot and place it in the pot while the rice is cooking, removing it before serving.
- Coconut Cream: For a more indulgent topping, drizzle extra coconut cream on top of the pudding.
Enjoy the tropical, comforting flavors of this Balinese Black Rice Pudding, a dessert that brings the tastes of Bali right into your home. Whether served at a family gathering or a quiet dinner for one, it’s sure to be a memorable treat.
