Black Rice Pudding

I recently discovered black rice, also known as forbidden rice, and decided to make black rice pudding. While researching I found out that black rice pudding is enjoyed in Southeast Asia as breakfast. It is usually cooked with coconut milk, and served with mango and banana. 

Basically, that's how I like my breakfast porridges, cooked in coconut milk, such as my Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge, Buckwheat Porridge, Quinoa Breakfast Bowl, and Banana Porridge. 

Black Rice Pudding

 My black rice pudding has a rich flavor, creamy and slightly nutty. I'm planning to eat a lot more black rice and substitute it for brown rice in many of my savory dishes. I added cinnamon to the recipe but you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of both cardamom and ground coriander. 

What Is Black Rice?

Black rice is a variety of rice that has a deep purplish-black color. It is found in many Southeast Asian countries, including the Phillippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.  Other names for black rice are purple rice, Thai Jasmine black rice, black paddy's rice, and black Japonica rice. Some of the varieties are the sticky glutinous rice, which has a mild nutty taste. 

Why Is Black Rice Called Forbidden Rice?

The term forbidden rice was given to black rice because many years ago black rice was reserved for the Chinese emperor and other people of wealth. That's also why black rice was also called Emperor's rice. 

Is Black Rice Healthy?

Absolutely! The reason why black rice has that beautiful color is that it contains anthocyanins. As a grain, black rice contains the highest levels of anthocyanins, even a higher level than blueberry.  These compounds are powerful antioxidants that combat diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Anthocyanins are also found in blackberries, red cabbage, and plums. 

Black Rice VS Brown Rice

• Black rice has twice the amount of protein of brown rice.
• Black rice has twice the amount of fiber of brown rice.
• Black rice has twice the amount of iron of brown rice.
• Black rice also has other powerful antioxidants, such as zeaxanthin and lutein that, which are great for vision.

Where To Buy Black Rice?

Black rice can be purchased at a health food store, some grocery stores, Asian supermarkets, or online on Amazon. 

How To Cook Black Rice Pudding?

1. Sort black rice to remove debris. Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and wash rice under cold running water. Transfer the rice to a pot with water, coconut milk, coconut sugar,  and salt.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, cover the pot and cook for 45 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla, allow rice pudding to cook for 10 more minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.  
3. To serve rice pudding warm, divide rice pudding into 8 bowls and serve garnished with mango slices, coconut flakes, and banana. You can store rice pudding in the refrigerator in a container with a lid, and it keeps for 3 days when chilled.

Other Rice Recipes To Try:

• Vegan Dirty Rice
• Instant Pot Mexican Rice
• Jamaican Rice And Peas
• Turmeric Coconut Rice
• Pineapple Fried Rice