Rice Imperial
A refreshing rice pudding infused with mandarin flavor, topped with whipped cream. Perfect for citrus lovers and those seeking a light, fruity dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine rice and 1 1/2 cups milk in a saucepan; cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 20 minutes or until all milk is absorbed.
- Soften gelatin in mandarin juice, then stir in mandarin peel.
- Combine 1/2 cup sugar, remaining 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and slightly beaten egg yolks in a 2 1/2-quart saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved and mixture coats a spoon.
- Add gelatin mixture and rice to the saucepan.
- Continue cooking, stirring constantly until gelatin is dissolved and mixture is well blended.
- Cool the mixture, then chill until set.
- Serve topped with whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Rice Imperial, consider using a fruity white wine instead of regular cooking wine. If you want a non-alcoholic version, substitute the cooked wine with additional mandarin juice or a light fruit juice. Make sure to stir the mixture constantly while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even blending of the gelatin and rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Rice Imperial chilled for a refreshing dessert. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream and fresh mandarin segments or berries for added color and flavor. For a delightful meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or as a sweet finish to a dinner of vegetarian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat while stirring, or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Avoid overheating to preserve the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Imperial contains roughly 226 calories, with 3g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 963mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of juice instead of mandarin juice?
Yes, you can substitute mandarin juice with orange or tangerine juice for a similar flavor profile, though the sweetness might vary. Adjust the sugar in the recipe as necessary to account for any differences in sweetness.
Is it necessary to chill the mixture for a long time?
Chilling the mixture is crucial for it to set properly. Ideally, allow it to chill for at least four hours or overnight for the best texture. This helps the gelatin firm up and gives the dessert a delightful consistency.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative. However, this may change the richness and texture slightly, so choose based on your dietary preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).