Banana Kiwi Pudding

Banana Kiwi Pudding Recipe - Delicious and Healthy Dessert from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Banana Kiwi Pudding is a delightful and nutritious dessert that combines the creamy texture of rice pudding with the fresh, tangy flavors of banana and kiwi. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthier dessert option that doesn't compromise on taste. The combination of ingredients not only makes this pudding delicious but also packs it with essential nutrients. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and sure to impress.

History

The concept of rice pudding dates back centuries and is found in various forms across many cultures. The addition of banana and kiwi, however, gives this traditional dessert a modern and tropical twist. Bananas have been a staple in cooking and baking due to their natural sweetness and texture, while kiwis, with their vibrant color and unique flavor, have gained popularity in desserts in recent years. This recipe is a celebration of these two fruits, combined with the comforting base of rice pudding.

Ingredients

1.33 cups of cooked rice
1.33 cups of skim milk
1 tsp of vanilla extract
Low-calorie sugar substitute to equal 2 tbsp of sugar
1 ripe banana
0.25 cup of whipped cream
2 kiwi fruits, sliced, for garnish

How to prepare

Cook rice and milk in a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan over medium heat until thick and creamy, for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat and let it cool. Stir in vanilla and sugar substitute.
Just before serving, mash the banana and fold it along with the whipped cream into the pudding.
Garnish with slices of kiwi fruit.

Variations

For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and whipped cream. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can introduce a warm spice flavor, and substituting the banana with mango or peach can offer a different taste profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the creamiest pudding, use short-grain rice as it releases more starch than long-grain varieties. Stirring the pudding frequently as it cooks will prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure a smooth texture. For a richer taste, you can substitute skim milk with almond or coconut milk. To fully incorporate the banana, make sure it is ripe and mash it well before folding into the pudding.

Serving Suggestions

This pudding is best served chilled, making it a refreshing dessert option for warm days. It can be prepared in individual serving dishes for a personalized touch or in a large bowl for family-style serving.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the slow cooking of rice and milk to achieve a creamy pudding consistency. Gentle, frequent stirring is crucial to prevent lumps and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those looking to reduce sugar intake, stevia or monk fruit sweetener can replace the low-calorie sugar. Arborio rice can be used instead of regular short-grain rice for an even creamier texture.

Make Ahead Tips

This pudding can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. If making ahead, add the banana and whipped cream just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pudding in clear glasses layered with additional slices of banana and kiwi for a visually appealing dessert. A mint leaf on top can add a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Banana Kiwi Pudding pairs well with a light, sparkling dessert wine or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. It also complements a plate of assorted cookies or shortbread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This pudding is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Banana Kiwi Pudding contains approximately 150 calories, making it a lighter dessert option. This calorie count allows for indulgence without overdoing it, fitting well into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

This Banana Kiwi Pudding is a carb-conscious dessert, with the main sources of carbohydrates coming from the cooked rice and the fruits. A serving of this pudding provides approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those monitoring their carb intake.

Fats

The fats in this recipe are primarily found in the whipped cream, contributing to the pudding's creamy texture. Each serving contains about 5 grams of fat, most of which are saturated. Using a low-fat whipped cream or a plant-based alternative can reduce the fat content.

Proteins

This pudding offers a modest amount of protein, mainly from the skim milk and to a lesser extent from the rice. Each serving provides around 4 grams of protein, making it a dessert that can contribute to your daily protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

Banana Kiwi Pudding is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh fruits and milk. Bananas are a good source of vitamin B6 and potassium, while kiwis are high in vitamin C and vitamin K. The milk contributes calcium and vitamin D, making this dessert not only tasty but also nutritious.

Alergens

The main allergens in this recipe are dairy (from the milk and whipped cream) and potentially gluten, depending on the type of rice used. For those with allergies or intolerances, dairy-free milk and whipped cream can be used, and ensuring the rice is gluten-free can make this dessert suitable for everyone.

Summary

Overall, Banana Kiwi Pudding is a balanced dessert that offers a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a low-calorie option that doesn't skimp on flavor or nutritional value.

Summary

Banana Kiwi Pudding is a versatile, nutritious, and delicious dessert that's easy to make and sure to please any crowd. With its combination of creamy rice pudding, fresh fruits, and the option for customization, it's a fantastic choice for a healthy treat. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert for a weeknight or something special for a gathering, this pudding is a go-to recipe that won't disappoint.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory like a delicate carving on a piece of wood. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through my old recipe box. I had been searching for something new and exciting to make for dessert, something that would surprise and delight my family. And that's when I stumbled upon it - the recipe for Banana Kiwi Pudding.

I had never heard of such a combination before, but the ingredients called out to me - ripe bananas, sweet kiwis, creamy pudding. It sounded like a match made in heaven. The recipe was handwritten on a yellowed index card, the letters slightly faded from years of use. I could tell that this was a treasured recipe, passed down through generations.

As I read through the instructions, memories flooded back to me of all the different recipes I had learned over the years. Some from cookbooks, others from friends and family. But this one felt special, like a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.

I decided to give it a try that very day. I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, peeling the bananas, slicing the kiwis, and preparing the pudding. The scent of ripe fruit and vanilla filled the air, and I knew I was onto something special.

As the pudding set in the fridge, I couldn't help but think back to all the different recipes I had learned over the years. From my own mother's famous apple pie to my neighbor's secret recipe for chocolate chip cookies, each one had a story behind it. And now, this Banana Kiwi Pudding would have its own story to tell.

Finally, the time came to serve the pudding. I topped each bowl with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed nuts for an added crunch. As my family took their first bite, their eyes lit up with delight. The flavors of banana and kiwi danced on their taste buds, the creamy pudding melting in their mouths. It was a hit.

From that day on, Banana Kiwi Pudding became a staple in our household. Whenever there was a special occasion or simply a craving for something sweet, I would whip up a batch of this delicious dessert. And each time, it brought smiles to the faces of my loved ones.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and colleagues, who have all fallen in love with its unique flavors and simplicity. It has become a go-to dessert for potlucks and gatherings, a dish that never fails to impress.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for all the people who have shared their culinary wisdom with me. From my grandmother's old-fashioned recipes to my neighbor's modern twists, each one has added a layer of richness to my cooking repertoire.

And so, I continue to cook and bake, always on the lookout for new recipes to try and new flavors to explore. But no matter how many dishes I create, the memory of finding that handwritten index card for Banana Kiwi Pudding will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that comes from sharing delicious food with the ones you love.