Indulge in a sugary cinnamon dessert with this creamy Sweet Rice recipe.
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Even if you love Rice Krispies Treats (and, honestly, who doesn’t?), “sweet” probably isn’t the first flavor you associate with cooked rice. Whether rice is front and center, like in a fried rice meal, or served as a satisfying side, these steamy grains have a more savory reputation in the kitchen.
However, there are recipes for sweet rice stretching back thousands of years. Random fun fact alert: The Ancient Chinese weren’t just eating sticky rice; they were using it as mortar to build the Great Wall!
If you’re curious about experiencing the sweeter side of rice, mixing a satisfying pot of my fave sweet rice is so simple. Just one bowl of this sugary treat is all it takes to make everyone do a happy dance.
So, when a sweet tooth craving hits you hard, ditch those candy bars and boil some rice. Within minutes, I bet you’ll be on a trip to “cozy town.”
Is Sweet Rice Healthy?
OK, sweet rice isn’t the “healthiest” food, but I’d wager it’s “healthier” than many processed treats with globs of sugars, artificial sweeteners, and hidden fillers. Plus, since you’re making sweet rice at home, you have full control over what goes into your dessert. Always feel free to omit or add ingredients to make your sweet rice less of a guilty pleasure.
For example, you could use brown rice or another whole-grain rice to add extra nutrients and fiber to this dish. Some might also want to reduce the sugar or substitute it with other sweeteners like stevia, raw honey, or fresh fruits. It’s also so simple to swap out whole milk for unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk if you’re looking for a low-fat and no-lactose option.
What’s the best rice type for sweet rice?
I know, my recipe doesn’t use the standard “sticky rice” (aka glutinous rice) found in most sweet rice renditions. Why? Although sticky rice has a natural sweetness and binds together for chewy desserts, there are unique features long-grain rice brings to the table. Unlike sticky rice, long-grain white rice is a bit more “bland,” so it works more like a blank canvas where you can paint the flavor combinations of your dreams. Plus, long-grain rice won’t clump up as much when you’re cooking, which makes this sweet rice recipe airier and fluffier by comparison.
Of course, this doesn’t mean long-grain rice is “better” than sticky rice for desserts, but it has unique features worth a taste test. I recommend trying out different rice varieties and ingredient combinations until you find whatever flavors work best for your tastebuds.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Cook
Boil rice until tender.
Combine
Add milk and sugar; thicken.
Flavor
Mix in vanilla and cinnamon; serve.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
After you’ve made your pot of sweet rice, wait till it cools and put it in an airtight container for long-term storage. If you plan to gobble the rest of these grains in a few days, you can put it in the fridge; otherwise, freeze your sweet rice, and it should stay good for at least 2 months. When you’re ready for dessert, reheat your rice in a saucepan over medium-high heat. You might need a splash of milk or water to loosen up your rice as it warms through.
No carbs? No prob! You can still enjoy chewy sweet rice without jumping off the keto train. For instance, there’s always the uber-popular alternative cauliflower rice (check out this Cauliflower Rice here for all the details!). There’s also an exotic zero-carb rice variety called “shirataki rice,” made from the even more exotic-sounding konjac plant.
As for the sugar, it’s easy to swap out sugar for more keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia, and monk fruit.
Rice terminology can get surprisingly complex, but “sweet rice” and “rice pudding” aren’t usually interchangeable. Often, sweet rice is used when describing the short-grain sticky rice variety or a dessert dish featuring (you guessed it) rice! Rice pudding, however, is a specific creamy recipe that’s usually served warm.
Serving Suggestions
I’ll often use sweet rice as a base to build new and exciting flavor combinations with whatever I’ve got at home. If you’ve got some fruit on the counter or in the fridge, give them a wash and put them on your sweet rice for a burst of flavor and nutrients. If you want to get extra indulgent, you could use some whipped cream, chocolate syrup, or caramel for a decadent drizzle.
Want to serve your sweet rice alongside another course? I’d recommend pairing it with something sweet and refreshing so there’s no big flavor clash. For instance, this Coconut Milk Quinoa Salad or Mixed Fruit and Nut Energy Bites both go great with sweet rice’s fluffy and creamy texture. Plus, for a sweet sipper, there’s nothing more refreshing than a glass of Strawberry Juice to wash down your satisfying sweet rice.
Sweet Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup raisins optional
Instructions
-
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
-
Stir milk, sugar, and salt into the cooked rice. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy, about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
-
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and raisins if using. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Nutrition
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