Persian Apricot Rice Pudding

Persian Apricot Rice Pudding Recipe - Delicious & Unique Dessert

Region / culture: Persia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Persian Apricot Rice Pudding is a delicious and creamy dessert that combines the flavors of apricots, rice, and milk. This traditional Persian dessert is perfect for any occasion and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Persian culture. It is a popular dessert that is often served during special occasions such as weddings, holidays, and family gatherings. The combination of rice, apricots, and milk creates a unique and flavorful dessert that is loved by many.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of uncooked brown rice
3 tbsp of cornstarch
0.33 cup of water
2 cans (1 lb or 454 g each) of apricot halves in juice, drained
2 cups of milk (approximately)
0.33 cup of sugar
1 tbsp of vanilla extract
1 tsp of almond extract

How to prepare

Prepare a 1 qt (946 ml) shallow bowl.
Place the rice in a blender and blend until it becomes fine.
Transfer the blended rice into a small bowl.
Add cornstarch and water to the bowl, and stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.
Place the drained apricots in the blender and blend until smooth.
Add enough milk to make a total of 4 cups (approximately 2 cups of milk).
Pour the milk mixture into a small saucepan.
Add sugar and the rice mixture to the saucepan.
Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil.
Continue cooking and stirring for 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the extracts.
Stir well to blend all the ingredients.
Pour the pudding into a bowl and let it cool at room temperature for 0.5 hour, then refrigerate.
Serve the pudding cold.

Variations

You can use different fruits such as peaches or plums instead of apricots.
Add a pinch of saffron for a more traditional Persian flavor.
Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version of this dessert.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to blend the rice and apricots until they are smooth to ensure a creamy texture.

- Stir the pudding constantly while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- Let the pudding cool at room temperature before refrigerating to allow it to set properly.

- Serve the pudding cold for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Persian Apricot Rice Pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts on top for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the rice and apricots until smooth is key to achieving a creamy texture.

- Constant stirring while cooking will prevent the pudding from sticking to the pan.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use white rice instead of brown rice for a different texture.

- Replace almond extract with rose water for a floral flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the Persian Apricot Rice Pudding ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pudding in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or dried rose petals for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dessert with a cup of Persian tea or coffee for a delightful after-dinner treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Persian Apricot Rice Pudding contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Persian Apricot Rice Pudding contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Persian Apricot Rice Pudding contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Persian Apricot Rice Pudding contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of vitamin A and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and nuts (almond extract) allergens.

Summary

Persian Apricot Rice Pudding is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and fats. It is a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamin A, and calcium.

Summary

Persian Apricot Rice Pudding is a delicious and creamy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its unique flavors and simple preparation, this traditional Persian dessert is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Persian Apricot Rice Pudding. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Iran. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook, had invited some friends over for a dinner party. As I watched her in the kitchen, I was mesmerized by the way she effortlessly whipped up one delicious dish after another.

One dish in particular caught my eye - a creamy, fragrant rice pudding studded with plump, juicy apricots. I had never tasted anything like it before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it. So, I asked my grandmother to teach me the recipe.

She smiled and began to recount the story of how she had learned to make Persian Apricot Rice Pudding. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations in our family, she said. She had first learned it from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The secret, she told me, was in the technique and the quality of the ingredients.

As she walked me through the steps of making the pudding, I listened intently, making mental notes of each ingredient and each instruction. She showed me how to cook the rice until it was perfectly tender, how to infuse it with the flavors of saffron and cardamom, and how to fold in the dried apricots at just the right moment.

After a few tries, I finally mastered the recipe. The pudding turned out just as creamy and delicious as my grandmother's, and I was filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. From that day on, Persian Apricot Rice Pudding became a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time with a sense of reverence for the tradition and history behind it. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on not just the ingredients and instructions, but also the love and memories that are woven into every bite.

I have also added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different variations and embellishments. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of rose water for a floral note, or a handful of toasted pistachios for crunch. Each time, the pudding takes on a new dimension, but the essence of the dish remains the same - a comforting, fragrant bowl of sweetness that brings joy to all who taste it.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to mastering the recipe for Persian Apricot Rice Pudding, I am filled with gratitude for my grandmother and the culinary legacy she passed down to me. I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past, to nourish our bodies and souls, and to bring us together in celebration and love.

And so, I will continue to make this pudding, and to share it with others, in the hope that it will bring them as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me. For in each spoonful of this sweet, creamy dessert lies a story of tradition, of family, and of the enduring bond between food and memory.