Quinoa Rice Pudding with Turmeric Recipe
Recipe Overview
This Quinoa Rice Pudding with Turmeric is a comforting, nourishing dessert that blends the subtle nutty flavor of quinoa and the familiar creaminess of rice pudding, all enriched by the golden warmth of turmeric. Infused with fragrant cardamom and sweetened with sugar and honey or maple syrup, this pudding is a perfect indulgence for any time of the day. Ideal for a vegetarian diet, this South Indian-inspired dessert is both light and satisfying, offering a flavorful twist to traditional rice pudding.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Basmati rice (or brown rice) | 1/2 cup |
Quinoa | 1/2 cup |
Coconut milk | 2 cups |
Sugar | 1/2 cup |
Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
Cardamom pods (Elaichi), crushed | 3 pods |
Mixed nuts or fruit (optional) | As required |
Honey or maple syrup (optional) | As required |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 220 |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 10g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 15g |
Sodium | 15mg |
Instructions
-
Cook Rice and Quinoa:
- Begin by cooking the Basmati rice and quinoa together. Add both ingredients to a medium-sized saucepan with 3 cups of water.
- Set the stove to medium heat and let the rice and quinoa cook for about 15 minutes, or until both are fully cooked and the water has been absorbed. (Note: Cooking times may vary depending on your stove and heat setting.)
-
Prepare the Coconut Milk Mixture:
- While the rice and quinoa are cooking, take a separate saucepan and pour in the coconut milk.
- Heat the coconut milk over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it comes to a boil, add the crushed cardamom pods, sugar, and turmeric powder.
- Allow the coconut milk mixture to boil for 10-12 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the mixture thicken slightly.
-
Combine Rice/Quinoa with Coconut Milk:
- Once the rice and quinoa are ready, add them to the boiling coconut milk mixture.
- Let the entire mixture simmer on medium heat for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
-
Blend for Smooth Consistency:
- For a smoother, pudding-like texture, use an immersion blender or a regular hand blender to blend the mixture gently. This step is optional but recommended for a velvety consistency.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly. Once cooled, serve it topped with chopped mixed nuts, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, depending on your preference for sweetness.
- The pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it thickens too much upon refrigeration, simply add a little more coconut milk or sweetener to adjust the consistency to your liking.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Quinoa Rice Pudding with Turmeric as a delightful dessert alongside a traditional South Indian meal. Try pairing it with Steamed Rice, Mixed Vegetable Sambar, Aama Vadai, Carrot and Beans Thoran, and a Pisarna Manga (Pickled Mango) for a complete and satisfying lunch.
Recipe Tips
- Flavor Adjustments: If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add a bit more turmeric or cardamom to suit your taste.
- Consistency: The pudding thickens as it cools, so feel free to adjust the texture by adding a little extra coconut milk or sweetener after refrigeration.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar and maple syrup/honey according to your taste. The sweetness can be modified based on how you like your desserts.
- Make Ahead: This pudding can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Itโs perfect for preparing in advance for a meal or as a healthy treat anytime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Quinoa Rice Pudding with Turmeric is a warm and nourishing dessert, rich in antioxidants from turmeric, with the added benefits of quinoa and coconut milk. The mix of quinoa and rice makes it a great source of protein, while the addition of cardamom gives it a traditional South Indian flair. With the natural sweetness from honey or maple syrup, and the creamy texture thatโs perfect for dessert, this pudding is a heartwarming choice for any meal. Whether served as a simple treat or alongside a full meal, itโs sure to impress and satisfy.