Rice Pudding with Dried Fruits

From EatingWell: January/February 1995 — Subscribe Now!

Arborio rice, available in most large supermarkets, makes an especially creamy version of this rice pudding. Use your favorite combination of dried fruits for the cranberries and apricots if you wish.

4 servings

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

1/2 cup medium-grain rice, preferably arborio
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
Pinch of salt
2 1/4 cups low-fat milk
1/4 cup dried cranberries, or raisins
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Freshly grated nutmeg to taste

Preparation

Combine rice, sugar, cornstarch and salt in a heavy saucepan. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a simmer over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring often, until the rice is tender and the pudding is creamy, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat as stir in cranberries (or raisins), apricots and vanilla. Cover the pan and let stand for 10 minutes, or until ready to serve. Microwave Variation:
Combine rice, sugar, cornstarch and salt in a 3-quart or larger casserole dish. Gradually stir in milk. Cover with a lid or vented plastic wrap and microwave on High until the mixture is simmering, about 5 minutes. Stir, cover and microwave on Medium until the rice is tender and the pudding is creamy, about 30 minutes. Stir in cranberries (or raisins), apricots and vanilla. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes, or until ready to serve.
Spoon into individual bowls and top with freshly grated nutmeg.

Nutrition

Per serving: 218 calories; 1 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono); 8 mg cholesterol; 45 g carbohydrates; 6 g protein; 1 g fiber; 115 mg sodium; 98 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium (18% daily value).

3 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 reduced-fat milk, 2 other carbohydrate