Laotian Banana Rice Pudding

Laotian Banana Rice Pudding Recipe - Authentic Southeast Asian Dessert

Region / culture: Laos | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Laotian Banana Rice Pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of bananas with the creaminess of rice pudding. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in.

History

Banana rice pudding is a popular dessert in Laos, where bananas are abundant and often used in cooking. This dish is a traditional comfort food that is enjoyed by families and friends alike.

Ingredients

1.5 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup nonfat milk
1 medium banana, sliced
1 can of fruit (15 oz or 425 g), sliced
0.25 cup water
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp ground nutmeg

How to prepare

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the banana and fruit slices, water, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the fruits are tender but not mushy.
Add the rice and milk to the saucepan and mix everything thoroughly.
Bring the mixture to a boil again and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve the dish warm.

Variations

Add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Use coconut milk instead of nonfat milk for a richer flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor.

- Stir the pudding frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less honey.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the banana rice pudding warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering, boiling

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white rice instead of brown rice for a different texture.

- Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

This pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the banana rice pudding in individual bowls garnished with a slice of banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy this dessert with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and tree nuts (nutmeg).

Summary

This Laotian Banana Rice Pudding is a nutritious dessert option that is low in fat and calories, while providing a good source of carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Laotian Banana Rice Pudding is a comforting and delicious dessert that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. With its creamy texture and sweet banana flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend who had recently traveled to Laos. As she excitedly shared stories of her adventures, she mentioned a delicious dessert she had tried called Laotian Banana Rice Pudding. Intrigued by her description, I asked her if she had the recipe. To my delight, she pulled out a worn piece of paper with the handwritten instructions.

I carefully studied the recipe, taking note of the ingredients and steps involved. It seemed like a relatively simple dish to make, but I could tell that the flavors were going to be complex and rich. I thanked my friend for sharing the recipe with me and promised to make it for my family soon.

When I got home, I gathered all the necessary ingredients - ripe bananas, sticky rice, coconut milk, and palm sugar. I followed the instructions closely, soaking the rice and cooking it until it was tender. I mashed the bananas and mixed them with the coconut milk and sugar, creating a creamy and sweet base for the pudding. As the mixture simmered on the stove, the aroma of coconut and banana filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the pudding was ready, I spooned it into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. I couldn't wait to taste it, so I took a small spoonful and closed my eyes as I savored the flavors. The combination of sweet bananas, creamy coconut milk, and chewy rice was a true delight for the senses. I knew that this recipe was going to become a favorite in my household.

Over the years, I have made Laotian Banana Rice Pudding countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my family's tastes. Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth, or a splash of rum for an extra kick. No matter how I prepare it, this dessert never fails to bring smiles to the faces of those who enjoy it.

I remember one particular occasion when my grandchildren came to visit. They had never tried Laotian Banana Rice Pudding before, and I was excited to introduce them to this special dish. As they sat at the table, eagerly waiting for dessert, I brought out bowls of steaming pudding topped with fresh slices of banana.

Their eyes widened in delight as they took their first bite, and I knew that I had succeeded in creating a memorable experience for them. They asked me where I had learned to make such a delicious dessert, and I told them the story of how I had discovered the recipe from my friend who had traveled to Laos.

As the years have passed, I have continued to share this recipe with friends and family, always grateful for the chance to spread joy and warmth through the power of food. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn new recipes and techniques from people I meet along the way.

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, cooking has always been a source of comfort and joy for me. It is a way to connect with others, to share stories and memories, and to create something beautiful out of simple ingredients. And so, every time I make Laotian Banana Rice Pudding, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and to create lasting bonds of love and friendship.

As I sit here, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for all the experiences and people who have shaped my love for cooking. From the bustling markets of Laos to the cozy kitchen of my friend, each memory has added a special touch to this cherished recipe. And as I take another bite of the pudding, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the joy and laughter that this simple dish has brought into my life.