Banana Rice Pudding

Banana Rice Pudding Recipe - A Delicious and Easy Dessert from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Banana Rice Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy texture of rice pudding with the sweet, tropical flavor of bananas. This comforting dish is perfect for those who appreciate a dessert that's not too heavy but still satisfies the sweet tooth. It's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a warm treat during the colder months or served chilled as a refreshing summer dessert. The addition of vanilla wafers and maraschino cherries adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

History

Rice pudding is a dish with ancient roots, enjoyed in various forms around the world for centuries. The addition of bananas and vanilla wafers to rice pudding is a relatively modern twist that likely originated in the United States, where bananas became widely available in the late 19th century. This version of rice pudding reflects the American love for creamy desserts and the incorporation of readily available ingredients into traditional recipes to create something new and exciting.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice
3 cups milk
0.5 cup sugar
2 tbsp butter or margarine
0.25 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1.5 cups whipped cream, divided
2 medium bananas, chopped
40 vanilla wafers
8 maraschino cherries

How to prepare

Combine rice, milk, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 25 minutes, or until it becomes thick and creamy, stirring frequently.
Add vanilla and let it cool.
Fold in 1 cup of whipped cream and bananas. Line dessert dishes with wafers.
Spoon the pudding over the wafers. Top it with the remaining 0.5 cup of whipped cream and cherries.

Variations

For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and whipped cream.
Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a chocolate banana rice pudding.
Substitute the bananas with other fruits like mango or peach for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Banana Rice Pudding turns out perfectly creamy and flavorful, consider the following tips:

- Use short-grain rice for a creamier texture.

- Constant stirring during the simmering process prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures even cooking.

- For a richer flavor, you can substitute the milk with half milk and half coconut milk.

- Let the pudding cool slightly before folding in the whipped cream to prevent it from melting.

- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pudding mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Banana Rice Pudding can be served either warm or chilled, depending on your preference. For a warm dessert, serve immediately after cooking. For a chilled dessert, allow the pudding to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the slow simmering of the rice in milk, which allows the rice to become tender and the mixture to thicken to a creamy consistency. Folding in the whipped cream gently ensures the pudding remains light and fluffy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute margarine with butter for a richer flavor.

- Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of dairy milk for a dairy-free version.

- Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener option.

Make Ahead Tips

This pudding can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If serving chilled, add the whipped cream topping and garnishes just before serving to maintain their texture and appearance.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pudding in individual dessert glasses layered with additional banana slices and vanilla wafers for an elegant presentation. A sprinkle of cinnamon or grated chocolate on top can add a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Banana Rice Pudding pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea. For a dessert wine pairing, consider a Moscato d'Asti, which complements the creamy texture and sweetness of the pudding.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pudding in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to thin the consistency.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Banana Rice Pudding contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a relatively light dessert option, especially if served in moderate portions.

Carbohydrates

This Banana Rice Pudding is primarily a source of carbohydrates, with the main contributors being rice, sugar, and bananas. A serving of this dessert provides approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates, which includes sugars from the bananas and added sugar, as well as starch from the rice.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the margarine and whipped cream. A serving contains about 10 grams of fat, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. Using low-fat milk and whipped cream can reduce the fat content.

Proteins

This dessert provides a modest amount of protein, mainly from the milk. Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of protein, making it a nice way to end a meal with a bit of nutritional balance.

Vitamins and minerals

Banana Rice Pudding is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including calcium from the milk and whipped cream, potassium from the bananas, and various B vitamins from the rice and milk. It also provides a small amount of iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, whipped cream) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. It also contains gluten in the vanilla wafers, which can be substituted for a gluten-free option if needed.

Summary

Overall, Banana Rice Pudding is a dessert that offers a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals. It's a comforting and satisfying treat that can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Banana Rice Pudding is a versatile and comforting dessert that combines the creamy texture of traditional rice pudding with the sweet flavor of bananas. It's a dish that can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a perfect addition to any dessert repertoire. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's a delightful treat that can be enjoyed by everyone.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for something new to try. That's when I came across a faded, stained index card with the words "Banana Rice Pudding" scrawled in elegant cursive.

I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from, but as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew I had to give it a try. The combination of creamy rice pudding and sweet bananas seemed like a match made in dessert heaven.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients - rice, milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and of course, ripe bananas. As I began to cook, the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of simmering rice and vanilla.

The process was simple, yet satisfying. I cooked the rice in milk until it was creamy and tender, then stirred in sugar and beaten eggs to create a custard-like consistency. Finally, I folded in the mashed bananas, their sweet fragrance perfuming the air.

As the pudding baked in the oven, I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When I pulled it out, the top was golden and slightly caramelized, a perfect contrast to the creamy interior.

I served myself a generous portion, savoring each spoonful. The rice was rich and velvety, the bananas adding a burst of sweetness and flavor. It was decadent without being overly heavy, the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence.

I knew I had stumbled upon a gem of a recipe, one that would become a staple in my culinary repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a splash of rum for extra depth of flavor. I even experimented with different types of rice and alternative sweeteners, always striving to perfect the dish.

As I shared the recipe with friends and loved ones, they too fell in love with its simplicity and deliciousness. It became a tradition to make banana rice pudding for special occasions, a dessert that brought people together and created lasting memories.

I may not remember where I first found the recipe, but what matters most is the joy and connection it has brought into my life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express creativity and show love to those around me.

And so, every time I make banana rice pudding, I am reminded of the thrill of discovery and the joy of sharing something special with others. It is a recipe that has stood the test of time, a timeless classic that will always hold a special place in my heart.