Sticky Black Rice Dessert with Almond Cream

Black sticky rice (or black glutinous rice) is a naturally sweet, dark purple-ish coloured rice that has both fibre and loaded with antioxidants, which only makes this rice pudding extra enjoyable to eat. This dish can be eaten hot or cold and has a beautiful, chewy texture. The dessert is not overly sweet and has beautiful aromatic spices that pair well with the delicious almond cream.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup ​rice (black glutinous)

• 2 cups water

• 1/4 cup panela sugar

• 1/2 tsp five spice powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup almond cream (see below)

• 2-4 tbsp soy milk

Almond cream

• ½ cup almond butter (The Almond Farmer)

• ½ cup soy milk

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla paste

To serve

• ½ cup chopped almonds, roasted

• Extra almond cream

• Black sesame seeds

• Banana leaf

METHOD

1. Cook the rice via the absorption method with 2 cups of water for 45 minutes.

2. While rice is cooking, blend the almond butter, soy milk, maple syrup and vanilla to make a pourable cream.

3. Once rice is cooked, mix in the panela sugar, salt, five spice powder and half of the almond cream.

4. Spoon the black rice mixture onto a slice of banana leaf or in individual glasses.

5. When serving, add a dollop of the reserved almond cream on top, some chopped roasted almonds and sprinkle with black sesame seeds.

Serves 4-6