Peach pudding

Peach pudding - a creamy delicacy with a refined taste that combines textures and flavors in a delightful way. This recipe is not just a dessert, but a little story about the joy of transforming simple ingredients into culinary works of art. Whether you serve it as a dessert at a special dinner or as a sweet snack during the day, this peach pudding will surely impress everyone.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 1 large peach compote (approximately 800 g)
- 3 cups of rice (preferably long grain)
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of peach compote juice/syrup
- 50 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 egg whites
- a pinch of salt
- butter for greasing
- breadcrumbs for lining the dish

A bit of history:
Rice pudding has deep roots in culinary history, being a dish appreciated over time for its versatility and ease. The use of peaches adds a refreshing note and a sweet-sour taste, transforming this dessert into a true summer celebration.

Step by step:
1. Preparing the rice:
- Start by washing the rice well under cold water, then let it soak in water for 1 hour. This helps reduce cooking time and achieve a fluffier texture.

2. Boiling the milk:
- In a large pot, add the 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of peach compote syrup, and the 2 packets of vanilla sugar. Place the mixture over medium heat and let it reach boiling point, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Adding the rice:
- Once the milk mixture starts to boil, add the drained rice and let it boil for about 10 minutes. After this interval, add the 50 g of sugar and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice becomes soft and creamy.

4. Preparing the eggs:
- After the rice is cooked, let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, beat the 3 egg yolks. Add them to the rice mixture, mixing well to integrate.

5. Beating the egg whites:
- In another bowl, beat the 3 egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get a firm foam. This step is essential to add air and volume to your pudding.

6. Combining the ingredients:
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the rice mixture using a spatula to avoid losing volume. The mixture should be homogeneous but fluffy.

7. Preparing the dish:
- Grease a baking dish with butter and line it with breadcrumbs. This will help the pudding release easily after baking.

8. Assembling the pudding:
- Pour a layer of mixture into the prepared dish, then add a layer of peaches from the compote (you can cut the peaches into slices or cubes, according to preference). Continue with the rest of the mixture, then add another layer of peaches on top. It is normal for the peaches to sink at first, but they will rise to the surface during baking.

9. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the lid (if using one) and let the pudding brown for another 5-10 minutes.

10. Cooling and serving:
- Once the pudding is ready, let it cool slightly before portioning. You can serve it warm or cold, according to preference. It is delicious both plain and with a dollop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream.

Practical tips:
- Fresh fruit version: If you prefer a fresher note, you can replace the canned peaches with fresh peaches, sliced. Make sure they are well-ripened to provide an intense flavor.
- Enhancing flavors: You can also add a bit of cinnamon or almond extract to the mixture to intensify the flavors.
- Serving: The pudding pairs perfectly with a caramel sauce or chocolate sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of rice?: It is recommended to use long grain rice, but you can also experiment with other types, such as arborio rice, which provides a creamy texture.
- How can I store the pudding?: The pudding keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans?: For a vegan version, you can use plant-based milk and replace the eggs with a substitute (for example, banana puree or flaxseed).

Nutritional benefits:
Peach pudding is a good source of carbohydrates from rice, protein from milk and eggs, as well as vitamins and antioxidants from peaches. It is a dessert that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also provides essential nutrients to the body.

In conclusion, this peach pudding is an excellent choice for those who love simple yet sophisticated desserts. With each bite, you will enjoy a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will make you keep returning to this recipe. Savor it with your loved ones and enjoy the sweet moments it brings!