Creamy Almond Rice Pudding with Cherry Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) Arborio rice 1 cup (200g) Arborio rice
• 4 cups (950ml) whole milk 4 cups (950ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped almonds 1/2 cup (60g) chopped almonds
• 1 cup (240g) tart cherries, pitted 1 cup (240g) tart cherries, pitted
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for cherry sauce) 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for cherry sauce)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Whipped cream, for garnish Whipped cream, for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 70g, 40g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large saucepan, combine the rice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. 2.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. 3.
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped almonds. Allow the rice pudding to cool to room temperature.
4. 4.
   In a separate saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices and the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove the cherry sauce from the heat and let it cool.
6. 6.
   To serve, divide the rice pudding into individual bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of cherry sauce. Garnish with whipped cream and fresh mint leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Toast the chopped almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
• Tart cherries — If fresh tart cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw them before cooking the cherry sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the whole milk with heavy cream.
• If you prefer a sweeter cherry sauce, you can add more sugar according to your taste.
• To save time, you can prepare the rice pudding and cherry sauce in advance and refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, gently reheat the rice pudding and cherry sauce before assembling.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Almond Rice Pudding with Cherry Sauce chilled or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a delightful dessert on its own or as a sweet ending to a Danish-inspired meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle some toasted almonds on top of the whipped cream garnish. Serve the dessert in elegant individual bowls or glass dishes to showcase the layers of creamy rice pudding and vibrant cherry sauce.