Snowy Citrus and Coconut Rice Pudding
A velvety rice pudding infused with bright orange zest and creamy coconut milk, chilled to a snowy finish for a comforting dessert. This general-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes pairs short grain rice, coconut milk, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup short grain rice
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup, toasted shredded coconut
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 3/4 cup short grain rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine the rice with 2 cups coconut milk, 1 cup whole milk, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and the pudding is thickened.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp orange zest and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Transfer the pudding to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours until chilled and set.
- Step 5: Before serving, sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted shredded coconut on top for a snowy, textured finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Snowy Citrus and Coconut Rice Pudding take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Snowy Citrus and Coconut Rice Pudding?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep short grain rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Snowy Citrus and Coconut Rice Pudding?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Snowy Citrus and Coconut Rice Pudding for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Snowy Citrus and Coconut Rice Pudding?
General desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
