Sunday, January 11, 2009

Rice Pudding with Pomegranate Syrup

I recently discovered that I really like rice pudding. I had never really had it before, but we made it for Tuesdays with Dorie and I made it twice, just to get it right. Well, this variation looked really yummy and so, I made it just to see which recipe I liked better. The pomegranate syrup and seeds added a perfect splash of flavor and color to this dessert. I doubled the recipe, because I knew it wouldn't last long.
Be careful with the syrup on this one. I cooked mine a little too long and after I served up the first few dishes, it was close to being soft candy. Delicious, but a little hard to pour, if you know what I mean.
I personally like Dorie's recipe better, but this rice pudding is still very good.

Rice Pudding with Pomegranate Syrup from Cooking Light
Pudding:
3 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk, divided
1/2 cup uncooked Arborio rice or other short-grain rice
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Syrup:
2 large pomegranates, halved crosswise
1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons pomegranate seeds

To prepare pudding, combine 3 cups milk, rice, 1/3 cup sugar, and butter in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Combine 1/2 cup milk and egg, stirring with a whisk. Gradually stir about one-fourth of warm rice mixture into egg mixture; add to pan, stirring constantly. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
Refrigerate, if desired. Pudding can be served warm or cold.
To prepare syrup, squeeze juice from the pomegranate halves using a citrus reamer or juicer to measure 1 cup. Combine juice and 1/4 cup sugar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until reduced to 1/3 cup (about 20 minutes), stirring frequently.
Drizzle the syrup evenly over pudding, and sprinkle with seeds.

Coming Tomorrow-Indian Cauliflower Curry Stew



10 comments:

Marie Rayner said...

Mary Ann I love rice pudding and this looks delicious, especially with the pomegranate!

Audrey and the Boys said...

I want to comment on everything on this page. It all looks so good. I am definitely going to try the pomegranate rice pudding. Thanks for always being an inspiration!

Cathy said...

Mary Ann, I never thought I liked rice pudding until I made Dorie's. Of course, the Cooking Light version will allow me to enjoy it without feeling guilty. I bet the pomengranate syrup is incredible!

Nancy/n.o.e said...

I've got a few rice pudding recipes bookmarked myself; this one looks delicious, but it's nice to know that you preferred Dorie's. Love the pomegranate syrup!
Nancy

Jessica said...

I love pomegranates, I love rice pudding, I must try this recipe soon! Honestly, even if you'd written that it wasn't that good I'd still be tempted because the pictures look so good. I love the red and white together -- it'd be a cute Valentines dessert too.

Maria said...

Pretty pudding! The syrup sounds fantastic!

The Blonde Duck said...

I've never had rice pudding. This looks fabulous!

Jenny said...

Your pictures are just beautiful. Making my mouth water over here! Have a great Sunday night!

Aggie said...

Oh I bet that was good...I am so loving pomegranates right now, and I do love rice pudding!! Yum Mary Ann!!

Anonymous said...

I love it! Rice pudding is wonderful and the pom syrup sounds amazing. I bet it was the perfect tang to the sweetness of the pudding.