Vegan Rice Pudding with Rosewater and Pistachios
Vegan Rice Pudding with Rosewater and Pistachios is a creamy, dairy-free dessert that combines the smooth texture of short-grain rice cooked in coconut milk with the exotic floral notes of rosewater and a delightful crunch from toasted pistachios. This comforting and fragrant pudding is easy to make, vegan-friendly, and perfect for any occasion, offering a unique blend of flavors and textures that make each bite satisfying and elegant.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup short-grain rice
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or agave syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons rosewater
- ¼ cup toasted, chopped pistachios
- Rinse and Soak the Rice: Start by rinsing 1 cup of short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for about 30 minutes to soften the grains, which helps the pudding become creamy.
- Cook the Rice in Coconut Milk: Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to a saucepan with 2 cups of coconut milk and 1 cup of water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Once the rice is tender and the milk mixture has thickened—usually after 25 to 30 minutes—add ¼ cup of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 teaspoons of rosewater. Stir well to combine the fragrant flavors.
- Let it Thicken: Keep stirring occasionally as the mixture thickens further, and the rice absorbs most of the liquid. It should have a creamy but slightly loose pudding consistency.
- Add Crunchy Pistachios and Serve: Once off the heat, fold in about ¼ cup of toasted, chopped pistachios. Serve warm or chilled with extra pistachios sprinkled on top for a gorgeous finishing touch.
Notes
- Use short-grain or pudding rice for the best creamy texture; avoid long-grain rice.
- Toast pistachios briefly in a dry skillet to amplify flavor and crunch.
- If pudding thickens too fast, stir in a bit more coconut milk or water to keep it smooth.
- Rosewater is potent; start with less and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the pudding.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning, especially towards the end of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan rice pudding, rosewater dessert, pistachio pudding, dairy-free dessert, plant-based pudding, creamy vegan dessert, Middle Eastern dessert