Description

This Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding is a luscious and comforting dessert made by simmering short grain white rice in rich coconut milk, infused with vanilla and star anise, and sweetened gently with sugar. Finished with fresh or canned pineapple chunks and optional mashed banana for added natural sweetness, this pudding offers a tropical twist on a classic favorite. Perfectly creamy and subtly flavored, it’s an easy-to-make treat that serves about three people.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 can coconut milk (400 ml)
¼ cup short grain white rice (about 50g)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp sugar (or 1 small pack vanilla sugar as alternative)
1 pinch salt
1 star anise

Fruits

½ cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
½ banana (optional, mashed)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat the Coconut Milk: Pour the coconut milk into a pot and warm it over medium heat until it just starts to boil.
Add the Rice: Stir in the short grain rice as the milk begins to boil, then immediately lower the heat to low to prevent the coconut fat from separating, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
Flavor the Pudding: Add vanilla extract, sugar, star anise, and a pinch of salt to the pot. Stir to combine the flavors evenly.
Add Banana (Optional): If desired, mash half a banana and stir it into the pudding to enhance sweetness and creaminess.
Simmer and Stir: Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking, until the rice becomes tender and the pudding thickens.
Enhance with Pineapple Juice: If using canned pineapple, add 3-4 tablespoons of the pineapple juice to the pudding to introduce a fruity freshness.
Serve with Pineapple: Spoon the pudding into serving bowls and top with diced pineapple chunks for added texture and flavor.
Optional Pineapple Puree Topping: Blend some pineapple and layer the puree on top of the rice pudding to add a vibrant and tangy topping.
Enjoy: Serve the creamy coconut rice pudding warm or chilled, and enjoy this sweet tropical delight!

Notes

Use short grain rice for optimal creaminess; other rice types may not yield the same texture.
Maintaining low heat after adding the rice is important to prevent coconut milk fat separation.
The star anise can be removed before serving if a milder flavor is preferred.
Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of sugar or using vanilla sugar as a substitute.
This pudding can be served warm or chilled according to preference.
For a vegan version, ensure sugar is vegan-certified and use canned coconut milk without additives.