Black Sticky Rice Pudding

Black sticky rice pudding is a great recipe – gluten free, dairy free, vegan and full of fibre, anti-oxidants and nurture-y goodness. Black rice is a source of amino acids, iron, zinc, copper and according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is great for supporting and nurturing the liver and kidneys, two organs/energy centres that get very depleted during times of stress, illness or depression. It’s great food for people with burnout or adrenal fatigue as it is warm and easy to digest. Coconut is also good for low thyroid function and boosting slow metabolisms.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Soak the rice overnight (or at least 6 hours) in the water in a ceramic or glass dish. It’s really important to soak your rice well, so please don’t skimp on that part of the cooking process. The water will go a nice shade of purple – try not to get it on you as it will stain some fabrics. Many people suggest you discard the soaking water, rinse and start over, but then you’d lose many of the minerals and anti-oxidants that have leached from the water overnight. Transfer to a suitable saucepan and place on the heat. Bring to the boil, stirring occasionally, and then reduce the heat to low, and cover. Cook for a further half an hour to forty-five minutes, until the rice is soft and the mixture has thickened. You need to play this by ear a bit, as you might need to add a little more water and cook longer. It all depends on the rice. Add a pinch of salt and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of coconut milk/cream, then sugar to taste. Add in a splash of vanilla essence too. I use about 2 heaped tablespoons of palm sugar, but if you prefer it sweeter, add more. Stir occasionally over the next ten minutes until the rice is thick and pudding like. (I sometimes omit the coconut milk as a variation, which gives a nuttier flavour.) Cool slightly and then serve in bowls with the remaining coconut milk/cream drizzled over the top. Sliced mango or tropical fruits such as banana or papaya are also good. In winter I may use berries. Go with whatever you have to hand. If I have made a less-sweet pudding, I will sometimes also add a sprinkle of palm sugar or a dash of maple syrup when serving.