Rice pudding with apples

Rice Pudding with Apples - A Delicious, Simple, and Nostalgic Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Servings: 6

On a chilly January day, when the fog blankets the winter landscape, I decided to sweeten my memories with a recipe for rice pudding with apples, which brings warmth to the soul. This recipe is not just a simple dessert; it’s a story filled with emotion, reminding us of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Perfect for family gatherings, this pudding is easy to make and can be customized to suit individual tastes.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rice (preferably Colossal for the perfect texture)
- 3 cups of milk
- 2-3 tablespoons of fructose (or sugar, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 apples (preferably sweet-tart varieties, like green apples)
- 1 cube of butter (for rich flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon (for a comforting taste)
- Juice from 1/2 lemon (to prevent the apples from browning)
- 2 eggs (for a creamy texture)
- 3 tablespoons of diet honey (or regular honey)
- 100 ml of cream (for added creaminess)
- 50 g of raisins (soaked in rum essence)
- Rum essence (optional, to enhance the flavor)
- 1 cube of butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Step by step for the perfect rice pudding:

1. Preparing the rice: In a pot, add the well-washed rice and 3 cups of milk. Add 2-3 tablespoons of fructose and the vanilla extract. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.

2. Cooking the rice: When the milk starts to boil, reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it has absorbed most of the milk. The rice should be soft but not fully cooked, as it will continue to bake in the oven.

3. Preparing the apples: In a ceramic skillet, melt the cube of butter over low heat. Add the peeled and diced apples, drizzled with lemon juice to prevent browning. Sprinkle the fructose and cinnamon over the apples and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft.

4. Egg mixture: In a bowl, beat the eggs well. Add the honey and cream, mixing until you achieve a smooth and frothy mixture.

5. Assembling the pudding: Generously grease a baking dish with butter. Evenly spread the cooked rice in the bottom of the dish, then add the sautéed apples along with their juices. Pour the egg and cream mixture on top, ensuring everything is evenly covered.

6. Adding the raisins: Sprinkle the raisins soaked in rum essence over the mixture, adding a touch of sweetness and flavor.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the pudding is golden and firm to the touch. You can activate the top heating element for a crispier crust.

8. Serving: Allow the pudding to cool slightly before slicing. It can be served warm or at room temperature, plain or with a dollop of cream or ice cream.

Practical tips:
- Choosing the rice: Colossal rice is ideal due to its larger grain and ability to absorb liquid, but you can experiment with other types of rice for different textures.
- Apples: Choose sweet-tart apples to add a contrasting note. Granny Smith or Fuji apples are excellent for this dessert.
- Vegan option: You can replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons of water = 1 egg) and the cream with vegan yogurt.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of rice pudding with apples has about 250 calories, providing complex carbohydrates from the rice and antioxidants from the apples. It is a good source of energy and essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
- How can I store the rice pudding? The pudding stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Can I add other fruits? Absolutely! You can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries to add a fresh note.
- What drinks pair well? A delicious pudding like this pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a glass of warm milk.

This rice pudding with apples is more than just a dessert; it’s a journey through time, a sweet memory that will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. Enjoy every bite and share it with your loved ones!