Vanilla Rice Pudding (Risotto Dolce)

HomeClinics & ProgramsELLICSR KitchenVanilla Rice Pudding (Risotto Dolce)

Skill Level	Easy

Preparation Time	5 minutes	Total Time	30 minutes
Servings	6	Cost Per Serving	$2.10

1 cup	Arborio Rice or Steel Cut Oats (or try a blend of both)
4 cups	2% Milk (or dairy-free alternative)
1	Vanilla Bean (or 1 tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract)
2 tsp	Orange Zest
1/4 cup	Honey, Maple Syrup, or Brown Sugar
1 tbsp	Butter or Coconut Oil
1/2 tsp	Ground Cinnamon
1/2 cup	Light Ricotta or Yogurt
1/2 cup	Berries, fresh or frozen (use your favourite kind as a topping)

Bring the milk up to a simmer in a medium sauce pot over medium heat. Turn the heat down to low.
Split the vanilla bean in half, scrape out the seeds and set aside. Add the scraped vanilla bean pod to the simmering milk.
Add the butter or coconut oil to a large sauté pan or pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the rice and scraped vanilla seeds or vanilla extract and stir. Toast lightly for about 2 minutes. Turn heat down to medium low.
Add a ladleful of warm milk and stir until most of the liquid has absorbed. Continue adding liquid a ladle at a time until you’ve added all 4 cups.
The rice/oats should be cooked in about 20 to 25 minutes. Add the maple syrup, orange zest and ground cinnamon, stir in and remove from heat.
Add the ricotta or coconut milk and stir in. Top with some fresh or frozen berries to finish.

PDF link to nutrition facts table for vanilla rice pudding

Remember food safety when preparing meals and snacks for your loved one. As much as possible, keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Refrigerate foods at or below 4 degrees Celsius. Thaw frozen foods in the fridge and use defrosted foods right away and don’t refreeze them. Eat foods within 3 days if they’re stored in the fridge and within 2 months if they’re stored in the freezer. If taking this recipe on the go, pack it with ice or ice packs to prevent the growth of bacteria that can make your loved one sick.
If your loved one has a low appetite or is having trouble maintaining his or her weight, be sure to choose a recipe that is high in protein and calories. This will help make every bite count. It will also help to choose foods that are easy to digest and low in fibre. Fibre is filling, and for people with low appetites it can prevent them from eating as much food as they need to stay healthy. Oats contain soluble fibre, which slows the movement of food through the digestive tract. If your loved one has diarrhea, a small amount of oats may be tolerated. If your loved one gets full quickly and has a low appetite, choose lower fibre grains such as white rice.