A Taste of Haiti: Haitian Rice Pudding
Rice Pudding is a beloved dessert enjoyed in many cultures worldwide. While it’s a familiar treat, Haitian rice pudding stands out with its unique flavor profile and rich history. This blog post will delve into the origins of this delectable dish and its cultural significance and provide a simple recipe for you to recreate at home.
As a lover of rice pudding, I’ve always been drawn to the sweet harmony of vanilla, cinnamon, and caramel that characterizes this classic dessert. There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of rice pudding, even on the hottest summer days. And while there are countless recipes for this dish, Haitian rice pudding has a special place in my heart.
You know the one I’m talking about—the one with rum! Specifically, Rhum Barbancourt. This Haitian rum is a prized ingredient that elevates the flavor of rice pudding to new heights.
Haitians are proud of their rum, and rightfully so. Rhum Barbancourt is a world-class spirit known for its quality and smoothness. It’s a shame that more people aren’t familiar with Haitian rum because, in my opinion, it’s among the best in the world. Its strength and smoothness make it perfect for enjoying on its own or as a component in delicious dishes like rice pudding.
Haitian rice pudding is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert.
The recipe involves simmering rice in a fragrant broth of cinnamon, anise, and water, then adding rich evaporated milk, vanilla, butter, and lime zest. The final touch is a generous dose of dark rum, which infuses the pudding with a complex and captivating flavor. While this recipe is not suitable for children due to the alcohol content, the rum’s presence is subtle yet noticeable, especially in the plump raisins that have absorbed its essence. The result is a creamy, comforting dessert with a hint of rum-soaked sweetness that will leave you craving more.
The ingredients needed for the Rice Pudding.
- Water: Used to cook the rice.
- Cinnamon sticks: Add a warm, spicy flavor to the pudding.
- Anise star: Adds a licorice-like flavor to the pudding.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pudding.
- White rice: The main ingredient in the pudding. Long-grain rice is preferred for its texture.
- Evaporated milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the pudding.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet and fragrant flavor to the pudding.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the pudding.
- Lime rind: Adds a citrusy flavor to the pudding.
- Nutmeg: Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the pudding.
- Ginger: Adds a pungent, spicy flavor to the pudding.
- Dark-dried raisins: Add sweetness and texture to the pudding.
- Dark rum: Adds a unique flavor to the pudding.
- Rhum Barbancourt is a popular choice for Haitian rice pudding.
- Sugar: Added to taste to sweeten the pudding.
Common Questions for Making Rice Pudding:
- Why soak the raisins for 3-4 hours? Soaking the raisins in rum helps them to plump up and absorb the flavor of the rum. This also helps to prevent the raisins from becoming tough when cooked.
- Why use evaporated milk? Evaporated milk adds richness and creaminess to the rice pudding. It also helps to thicken the pudding and prevent it from being too runny.
- What to do with the leftover rum? You can use the leftover rum in other recipes, such as cocktails or baked goods. Or, simply enjoy it on its own!
- Why is this recipe not kid-friendly? This recipe is not kid-friendly because it contains alcohol. Rum is a strong alcoholic beverage that can be harmful to children.
- Is this recipe perfect as a dessert? Yes, it is. It can also be served as a snack or breakfast.
- What is the cooking time and why? This recipe requires 20 minutes to cook. This allows the rice to cook through and the flavors to meld together.
- How to make it creamy? To make this recipe even creamier, you can use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream when serving.
- Is it healthy to eat? This recipe is not particularly healthy. It is high in sugar and calories. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- What type of rice should I use? Long-grain rice is the best type for this recipe. It has a good texture and cooks quickly.
- Can I omit the rum? Yes, you can omit the rum from this recipe. If you do, you will need to add warm water to plump up the raisins.
- Can I add coconut flakes or any other dried fruits to this recipe? Yes, you can. However, be sure to add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking so they do not become overcooked.
- Why can’t I sweeten the rice before adding the raisins? If you sweeten the rice before adding the raisins, the raisins will become too sweet. It is best to add the sugar after the raisins have been added.
Serving Haitian Rice Pudding
Haitian rice pudding is best served hot, but it can also be enjoyed cold. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Hot: Serve the rice pudding in bowls and top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Cold: Serve the rice pudding chilled and topped with fresh fruit, such as berries or mango.
- As a snack: Serve the rice pudding in small cups or ramekins for a satisfying snack.
Haitian rice pudding is a delicious and satisfying dessert that is easy to make at home. With its unique blend of flavors and rich history, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves rice pudding or Haitian cuisine. Whether you enjoy it hot or cold, topped with whipped cream or fresh fruit, Haitian rice pudding will surely please your taste buds. So why not give it a try and experience the taste of Haiti?
Haitian Rice Pudding
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 whole anise star
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup white rice long grain preferred, cleaned and washed
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
- 1 lime rind about 2 cm long
- 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 1 cup dark dried raisins
- 1 cup dark rum preferably Rhum Barbancourt
- Sugar to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Raisins: Several hours before cooking the rice, place the raisins in a large bowl and pour rum over them. Let them soak for 3-4 hours, or until they are plump and juicy.
- Cook the Rice: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine water, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and salt. Bring to a boil, then add the cleaned rice. Stir gently and let the water simmer until it begins to evaporate.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the evaporated milk, nutmeg, ginger, butter, and lime rind.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add Raisins: Drain the raisins and add them to the rice in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Sweeten: Stir in sugar to taste.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk.
- Experiment with different spices like cloves or cardamom.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Enjoy this delicious and authentic Haitian dessert!
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
Corn Allergy:
Always choose ingredients without corn or corn derivatives.
Originally published July 9, 2014. Revised and updated.
