Maple Rice Pudding with Pears: A Cozy Fall Dessert

There's something about the autumn evening-the cool breeze, golden colors of the falling leaves, and a sudden irresistible desire to crave a warm dessert. As a comfort dessert on a crisp and nostalgic night, rice pudding is what's called for. And just imagine if it is combined with the natural sweetness of maple syrup, together with the caramel goodness of the pears.

Maple Rice Pudding with Pears is an elevated dessert where the creamy rice pudding meets the complex flavors of maple and spiced pears. It's not only a feast for the taste buds but also healthier because it uses natural sweeteners and whole ingredients. It's a perfect treat to be served after dinner or as a quiet indulgence with a cup of chai on a lazy weekend.

Let's get this heartwarming dessert crafted in your kitchen with complete understanding about the rice varieties to use and innovative pairing alternatives that add versatility.

Recipe of Maple Rice Pudding with Pears

Ingredients:

For the Rice Pudding

• 1 cup Gobindobhog short-grain rice
• 4 cups of whole milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Pears

• 2 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Method:

Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. In a heavy bottomed saucepan combine the rice, milk, water, and salt. Gradually cook over low fire, stirring at intervals until the rice no longer sticks to the bottom of the saucepan. As the rice begins absorbing the liquid and softens, add gradually maple syrup as well as cinnamon. Be gentle in stirring, until the sweetness has distributed on the pudding making its consistence creamy.

While the rice is cooking, prepare the pears. Melt butter over medium heat in a pan. Add the pear slices and let them caramelize a little. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with nutmeg and ground ginger. Cook until the pear slices are tender and a bit glossy, so that they keep their shape.

Once the pudding reaches a rich, creamy texture, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Serve warm in bowls, topped with the caramelized pears for a touch of elegance and added flavor.

Which Type of Rice to Use

The choice of rice is the most essential step in making your perfect pudding. Short-grain rice, such as arborio, works well, since it contains a very high starch content that would make the dish creamy. Gobindobhog rice also adds an Indian touch to this recipe, which is also known for its aromatic qualities as well as soft texture, and long-grain basmati rice is quite out of the question in this recipe, since its grain does not produce this creamy texture required for making rice pudding.

Different Pairings to Add

Spiced Apple Topping

Spice up your pudding with a spiced apple topping. Chop fresh apples and sauté them with a little butter, jaggery, and a pinch of cinnamon and cloves. The sweetness-tartness of apples perfectly balances the richness of the pudding, making for a wonderful pairing for a festive evening in autumn.

Toasted Nuts and Coconut

For a nutty crunch, sprinkle toasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios over the pudding. Add a touch of toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of texture and subtle sweetness. This pairing not only adds flavor but also elevates the dish's presentation, making it a great option for serving guests.

Chocolate Drizzle and Berries

If you’re looking for a more decadent twist, drizzle dark chocolate over the pudding and top it with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries. The slight bitterness of the chocolate balances the pudding's sweetness, while the berries add a refreshing burst of flavor.

Storage Tips

Store the Maple Rice Pudding with Pears in good condition, ensuring that the food is kept fresh to enjoy it later. When pudding is completely cool, then move it to an airtight container. Another separate container stores caramelized pears because it helps them hold the texture. Store them together in the fridge for three days at maximum.

Before serving, reheat the pudding gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency. Avoid high heat, as it may cause the pudding to stick to the pan. The pears can also be reheated briefly in a skillet or served cold, depending on your preference.

If you are making this dessert ahead of an event, prepare the rice pudding the day before and keep the pears in a separate airtight container. In this way, you will be able to assemble the dessert with minimal effort, but at the same time keep it fresh and flavorful.