Date Nut Rice Pudding

Date Nut Rice Pudding Recipe - A Traditional Danish Delight

Region / culture: Denmark | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Date Nut Rice Pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of dates with the crunch of walnuts in a creamy rice pudding base. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or as a special treat for guests.

History

Rice pudding has been a popular dessert for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. The addition of dates and nuts to rice pudding adds a unique twist to this classic dish, creating a rich and flavorful dessert that is sure to please.

Ingredients

3 cups of cooked rice
3 cups of milk
0.25 cup plus 2 tbsp of firmly packed brown sugar
2 tbsp of butter or margarine
0.25 tsp of salt
1 cup of chopped pitted dates
1 cup of chopped walnuts, divided
1 tsp of vanilla extract
0.5 tsp of ground cinnamon

How to prepare

Combine rice, milk, 0.25 cup of sugar, butter, and salt in a 2- to 3 qt (2.84-liter) saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until thick and creamy.
Add dates, 0.5 cup of walnuts, and vanilla. Turn into a 2 qt (1.89-liter) dish.
Combine cinnamon with the remaining 2 tbsp of sugar and the remaining 0.5 cup of walnuts.
Sprinkle the mixture over the pudding. Chill before serving.

Variations

You can substitute the dates with raisins or dried apricots for a different flavor.
Instead of walnuts, you can use almonds or pecans for a different nutty crunch.
For a dairy-free version, you can use almond milk or coconut milk instead of cow's milk.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the pudding frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- For a creamier texture, you can use half-and-half or cream instead of milk.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.

- You can also add other spices such as nutmeg or cardamom for additional flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Date Nut Rice Pudding can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference. It is delicious on its own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the rice pudding over medium heat and stirring frequently will help to create a creamy texture.

- Chilling the pudding before serving will allow the flavors to meld together and create a delicious dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brown sugar, you can use white sugar or honey as a substitute.

- Margarine can be replaced with butter or coconut oil for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Date Nut Rice Pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Date Nut Rice Pudding in individual dessert bowls or ramekins for an elegant presentation. You can also garnish each serving with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few extra chopped walnuts for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Date Nut Rice Pudding pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Date Nut Rice Pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 25g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 7g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 6%

- Vitamin C: 0%

- Calcium: 15%

- Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains dairy (milk) and nuts (walnuts)

Summary

Date Nut Rice Pudding is a rich and creamy dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, with a moderate amount of protein. It is a good source of calcium and vitamin A.

Summary

Date Nut Rice Pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, sweet dates, and crunchy walnuts, this dessert is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Date Nut Rice Pudding. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and frayed, but the recipes within were a treasure trove of culinary delights.

As I flipped through the pages, a worn piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Date Nut Rice Pudding. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

I gathered the ingredients listed on the recipe: rice, milk, sugar, dates, nuts, and a pinch of cinnamon. The instructions were simple enough to follow, and soon the kitchen was filled with the comforting smells of simmering rice and sweet dates.

As the pudding cooked on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to my childhood. My own grandmother was a master in the kitchen, and she had taught me many of the recipes that I cherished to this day. I remembered the long hours we spent together, kneading dough for fresh bread or stirring pots of bubbling stew.

It was from her that I learned the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients and taking the time to cook with love and care. And it was from her that I inherited my love of cooking and sharing meals with others.

As the rice pudding finished cooking, I scooped it into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of chopped nuts. The taste was heavenly – creamy and comforting, with a hint of sweetness from the dates and a crunch from the nuts.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would make for my family and friends for years to come. And so it did.

Over the years, I have made Date Nut Rice Pudding countless times, each batch a delicious reminder of the love and care that went into creating it. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its comforting flavors and unique combination of ingredients.

But it wasn't just the taste of the pudding that made it special to me. It was the memories that it evoked – of my grandmother and the hours we spent together in the kitchen, of the lessons she taught me about cooking and life.

And so, whenever I make Date Nut Rice Pudding, I do it with a sense of gratitude and nostalgia, knowing that each spoonful is a tribute to the strong, talented women who came before me and who passed down their love of food and family.

As I sit here now, enjoying a bowl of warm Date Nut Rice Pudding, I am reminded once again of the power of food to connect us to our past and to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls. And I am grateful for the recipes and the memories that have been handed down to me, shaping me into the cook and the person I am today.