Bruleed Banana and Pumpkin Rice Pudding Recipe

Bruleed Banana and Pumpkin Rice Pudding Recipe

Level: Easy

Yield: 6 servings

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving (Serving size: 1 of 6)

• Calories: 276
• Total Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 39 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 8 mg
• Sodium: 58 mg

Time: Total: 1 hr (includes cooling time) Active: 30 min

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup short-grain white rice (I used sushi rice)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup canned unsweetened pure pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup sugar (divided: 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp for cooking; 1 tbsp per ramekin for brulee)
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 stick Mexican cinnamon
• Pinch kosher salt
• 2 bananas, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

Special equipment

• Six 6-ounce broiler-proof ramekins
• Kitchen torch (optional)

Directions

1. Place the rice and 1 1/2 cups water in a medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high until most of the water is absorbed and the rice is mostly cooked but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes.
2. While the rice cooks, heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and add the milk, pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, raisins, vanilla, cinnamon stick, and salt. Bring to a steady simmer and keep it simmering.
3. Add the partially cooked rice and any remaining liquid to the simmering milk mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully tender and the pudding thickens, about 1214 minutes (you'll see slow, large bubbles near the end).
4. Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick, and divide the pudding among six 6-ounce broiler-proof ramekins. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 30 minutes; the pudding will thicken as it cools.
5. When ready to serve, position a rack in the top of the oven and set the broiler to high. Arrange a single layer of banana slices on top of each pudding, then evenly sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over each.
6. Broil until the sugar forms a crisp, caramelized layer, about 30 seconds, checking every 10 seconds. Alternatively, use a kitchen torch to brulee the tops. Serve immediately.

Cook's Notes

• Cooking the rice in the microwave reduces preparation time compared with classic rice pudding methods.
• You can use a kitchen torch to brulee the tops if you prefer; follow the torch manufacturer's instructions and use only in well-ventilated areas. Keep propane torches away from heat and open flames and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.