Rice is an ingredient used in many kinds of savory food. Often served as a side, such as with curry and stew, rice in desserts is less common.
With the new year comes new goals and resolutions. Many people find the new year as a motivator to try new things. If you enjoy trying new dishes or enjoy spending time experimenting in the kitchen, why not consider trying a few rice desserts in the new year?
Here are six rice dessert ideas to try this year.
- Rice Pudding
Even if you’ve never had the opportunity to try it, you’ve probably heard of this one before. Rice pudding is a global treat and is one of the most well-known rice desserts.
The origins of this wonderful pudding are unknown, but it’s been speculated that it likely originated from Asian countries where rice is a staple food.
The base ingredients of rice pudding are rice, cinnamon, sugar, and milk. It’s as simple as that! Of course, there are many variations of this dessert aside from the time-tested classic rice pudding. Examples of other variations include coconut rice pudding, pumpkin rice pudding, caramelized rice pudding, Portuguese-style rice pudding, apple-cinnamon rice pudding, and more.
Rice pudding is a versatile and tasty dessert, which can even be made without any animal products for the vegans out there. You can find a recipe for the perfect rice pudding here: carolinarice.com/cooking/how-to-make-the-perfect-rice-pudding/.
- Mochi
Mochi originates from Japan but is growing famous internationally. It’s a type of rice cake used in sweet or savory food and is made with rice flour. The texture is often described as unique, soft, and chewy.
Mochi is most commonly made into small spheres that are often filled with sweet red bean paste. It can be bought ready-made or you can make it at home. Mochi can be made without animal products, making it good for those who follow plant-based diets.
To make it yourself, you’ll need glutenous rice flour, which can usually be found at Asian grocery stores, and some filling which can also be bought pre-made. It’s an excellent dessert to make if you want to turn it into a family activity, as the Japanese traditional process of making mochi can be time-consuming.
- Rice Fritters
Also known as calas, rice fritters are sweet, fried treats. They originate from none other than New Orleans.
Rice fritters can be made sweet and served with syrup as dessert but can also be made savory and served with a refreshing condiment. You can find many quick and easy to follow recipes for this dessert online. Making rice fritters is also a great way to make use of some leftover rice.
- Horchata
This one is slightly different. Horchata, also called orxata, is a plant-based beverage that comes from Latin America. It’s commonly made with coconut and, you guessed it, rice.
Horchata is quite popular, and some variations of this drink can be found in most Mexican restaurants in the United States. There are many variations that if you try one and dislike it, you may find another that you can’t get enough of. That said, the horchata served in restaurants is often made with a powder rather than a traditional recipe.
Luckily, for those who want to experience an authentic horchata taste, it’s possible to make at home. Once you learn to make it, don’t hesitate to experiment and come up with your own personal variations on this classic South American beverage.
- Mango Sticky Rice
People who are unfamiliar with rice desserts might be surprised at the idea of pairing mango with rice. They’re in for a much bigger surprise once they taste it.
Mango sticky rice is a traditional dish originating from Asia. It’s somewhat a variation of rice pudding made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, fresh mango, and sugar. This variation on rice pudding is a refreshing treat that’s often served as street food in Southern and Southeast Asian countries but has also made its way into restaurants around the world.
Unless you always cook with glutinous rice, this dessert isn’t much of a way to use leftover rice. Still, the recipe for mango sticky rice is something worth adding to your cookbook.
- Rice Custard
There’s no better way to end off a list of rice desserts than with some traditional rice custard. More than a few people might associate the taste of this dessert with their childhood and grandmother’s house.
Traditional rice custard is most commonly baked with eggs like true custard, completely different from the powdered imitation found in stores. If you love custard, this rice dessert is one to try in the new year as well.
Conclusion
As you can see, rice can be far more than just a flavorless carrier for other kinds of food. The desserts listed here are some of the most famous and delicious rice desserts from around the world. The new year is the perfect time to open your palate to new dishes. Try these rice desserts, and experiment to create your own versions. By the time the next new year rolls around, you can celebrate with a serving of your favorite rice dessert that you made yourself!
