Rice pudding is a lovely dessert that can also help settle your stomach. For Our Brown Rice Basmati Rice Probiotic Pudding, we used basmati rice for the benefits of its whole-grain nutrition and delicious flavor. Whole-grain brown rice is a natural source of magnesium, selenium, and B vitamins. Additionally, it has more fiber than regular white rice to help keep you full and support gut health. Brown basmati rice has an incredible popcorn-like, buttery-nutty aroma and flavor making it a must-try. When paired with Lifeway Vanilla Kefir, it’s probiotic pudding perfection.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Ingredients
- 4 cups brown basmati rice
- 6 cups water
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ginger
- 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
- 1/8 tsp. cloves
- 1/8 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp. sea salt
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup Vanilla Lowfat Kefir
Directions
- In a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or rice cooker, add the brown basmati rice, water, cinnamon, other spices, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well and cook according to the appliance you use and be sure to follow the instructions on your rice package. * For the slow cooker, cook for 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high until set. The rice should be very thick. If using a rice cooker, cook on the brown rice setting, and the same goes on an Instant Pot (don't use the pressure-cook setting). For the Instant Pot, set it to slow cook for 3.5 hours or set it to the brown rice setting if your model has that program feature as a pre-set. Once the rice is cooked and very thick, it's done. It should be fluffy and smell very fragrant.
- Let the rice cool down completely on the counter or place it in the fridge until cool. It will thicken up even more as sits. After it is completely cool, add the mixture to a large bowl and add Lifeway Vanilla Kefir. Using an immersion blender, whip and blend the rice until it's smooth and creamy. If you need to add a bit more Lifeway kefir, feel free.
- After it's blended into your rice pudding, you can adorn it with whatever garnishes you enjoy. For a seasonal twist, try some fresh cranberries with walnuts. Or, use blueberries and pecans for a classic topping. Almonds or pumpkin seeds with sliced orange are also nice. Enjoy!
