Chocolate rice pudding

Rice pudding is one of those tradition, old-fashioned recipes that we all grew up with and enjoyed on the cold evenings, made by mum. The reason it was always so popular is because it was cheap, easy, filling, and above all, delicious! 

This chocolate version of the classic rice pudding is a healthier, and chocolatey twist on the original. Using coconut milk, brown rice, palm sugar, and dark chocolate, it maintains its creamy and sweet flavour while being a little less “naughty” – excellent for the health conscious, and those who just really love dessert! 

You can serve it with some whipped cream, cinnamon, and grated chocolate to make it even more decadent. 

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup brown rice
• 3 cups (about 2 cans) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup coconut palm sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

1. Place rice in a medium saucepan with 1 1/3 cups water and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low, stir, and cover.

2. Cook rice for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.

3. While rice is cooking, simmer coconut milk, coconut palm sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cooked rice and cook over low heat for a further 15 minutes, stirring, until pudding has thickened.

4. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate and vanilla. Can be served warm or cold with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or grated chocolate.