Creamy Cinnamon Brown Rice Pudding with Apples and Pears
Indulge in this comforting and delicious creamy brown rice pudding, enriched with the natural sweetness of apples and pears. Perfectly balanced with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, this dessert is not overly sweet, making it a delightful option for any meal of the day. This recipe, inspired by 'The New American Plate', is tailored to meet the WW Core Plus program's guidelines, utilizing a sugar substitute for a healthier twist. Enjoy it warm as a cozy dessert or rewarm for a nourishing breakfast that promises to satisfy your taste buds while keeping your health goals in check.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Nonfat milk
4 1/2 cups (none)
Nonfat dry milk powder
1/3 cup (none)
Brown rice
1 cup (rinsed)
Cinnamon sticks
3 (none)
Whole vanilla bean
1 (split lengthwise (optional))
Salt
1 pinch (none)
Brown sugar or baking Splenda sugar substitute
3 tablespoons (use more for sweetness)
Vanilla extract
1 1/4 teaspoons (add only if using cinnamon sticks)
Ground nutmeg
1 pinch (none)
Plain nonfat yogurt
1/4 cup (none)
Tart apples
2 (peeled, cored, and diced)
Pear
1 (peeled, cored, and diced)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy saucepan, combine the nonfat dry milk powder with about 1 cup of nonfat milk and whisk until smooth to create a slurry.
2
Add the remaining nonfat milk to the saucepan and mix well. Over medium-high heat, add the cinnamon sticks (or split vanilla bean), brown rice, and a pinch of salt.
3
Bring the mixture just to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook for 60-70 minutes until most of the milk is absorbed, leaving about a quarter remaining.
4
After 60 minutes, stir in the brown sugar (or sugar substitute), vanilla extract (if using cinnamon sticks), ground nutmeg, and three-quarters of the diced apples and pears. Continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the pudding to thicken further.
5
Once the pudding reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and carefully take out the cinnamon sticks or vanilla bean. Fold in the plain nonfat yogurt for added creaminess.
6
Transfer the warm pudding to a serving bowl or individual dishes. Garnish with the remaining diced fruit and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and serve warm or chilled.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cinnamon Brown Rice Pudding with Apples and Pears?
It is a comforting and delicious dessert made with brown rice, nonfat milk, and naturally sweetened with apples and pears, inspired by 'The New American Plate'.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses one cup of rinsed brown rice for a healthier, fiber-rich pudding.
Is this recipe suitable for Weight Watchers?
Yes, this recipe is tailored to meet the WW Core Plus program's guidelines, especially when using a sugar substitute.
What fruits are included in the pudding?
The pudding features two diced tart apples and one diced pear.
How is the creaminess achieved in this nonfat recipe?
The creaminess comes from a combination of nonfat milk, nonfat dry milk powder, and folding in plain nonfat yogurt at the end.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use baking Splenda sugar substitute instead of brown sugar to keep the recipe healthier.
What spices provide the flavor?
The primary flavors come from cinnamon sticks, ground nutmeg, and optional vanilla bean or extract.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer gently for about 60 to 70 minutes until most of the milk is absorbed.
Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the one cup of brown rice should be rinsed before adding it to the saucepan.
Can I serve this for breakfast?
Absolutely! While it is a dessert, its nutritional profile and low sugar content make it a nourishing breakfast option.
When do I add the fruit?
Three-quarters of the diced apples and pears are added after the initial 60 minutes of simmering, and the rest is used for garnish.
Should the pudding be served warm or cold?
It can be served either warm as a cozy dessert or chilled, depending on your preference.
What kind of saucepan is recommended?
A large heavy saucepan is recommended to ensure even cooking and to prevent the milk from burning.
Can I use vanilla extract if I don't have a vanilla bean?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1 1/4 teaspoons of vanilla extract if you are using cinnamon sticks instead of a vanilla bean.
How many cinnamon sticks are required?
The recipe calls for three cinnamon sticks to be simmered with the milk and rice.
What is the purpose of the nonfat dry milk powder?
It is whisked with liquid milk to create a slurry that adds richness and body to the pudding without adding fat.
Do I need to peel the apples and pears?
Yes, the instructions specify that the fruit should be peeled, cored, and diced.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
You should stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers on low heat.
When is the yogurt added?
The plain nonfat yogurt is folded in after the pudding is removed from the heat and the cinnamon sticks are taken out.
How much brown sugar should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons, though you can use more if you prefer a sweeter taste.
What should I do with the cinnamon sticks before serving?
Carefully remove and discard the cinnamon sticks or the vanilla bean once the pudding reaches the desired consistency.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, a single pinch of salt is added to the milk and rice mixture at the start of cooking.
How much milk is needed in total?
The recipe requires 4 1/2 cups of nonfat milk.
Can I use a different type of apple?
While tart apples are recommended for balance, you can use your preferred variety of apple.
What is the final cooking step after adding the fruit?
Continue to simmer the mixture for an additional 15 minutes to allow the pudding to thicken.
How do I garnish the dish?
Garnish with the remaining quarter of the diced fruit and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this pudding very sweet?
No, it is designed to be not overly sweet, relying on the natural sweetness of fruit and a small amount of sweetener.
Can the pudding be reheated?
Yes, you can rewarm the pudding for a cozy meal later on.
How much nutmeg is used?
The recipe uses a pinch of ground nutmeg added toward the end of the cooking process.