This week, we’re thrilled to bring you a luxurious Christmas dessert that is both festive and gluten-free: our Moroccan Rice Pudding with Caramelised Apricots. This pudding has a Christmas-inspired flavor profile, brimming with almonds, sultanas, orange, cinnamon, and warming spices. It’s an ideal twist on the classic holiday pudding—perfect for those seeking a gluten-free option without sacrificing any of the festive richness.
The creamy base pairs beautifully with the golden, caramelised apricots, which add just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of tartness. Together, they create a match made in dessert heaven!
For this recipe, I prefer using dairy milk for an ultra-creamy texture, but it works wonderfully with almond milk too, for a subtle nutty flavor.
This dish is as easy to prepare as it is impressive. It truly tastes like it’s been made from scratch but without the hassle—ideal for enjoying a bit more time with family and friends this season.
SERVES: 6 PREP TIME: 5 min COOKING TIME: 30 min
Ingredients:
- 1 packet of From Basque with Love Moroccan Rice Pudding
- 1 litre of milk (dairy or almond milk)
- 410g apricot halves in juice (1 tin)
- 2 tbs of butter
Optional garnish: Extra almonds and cinnamon
Method:
- Cook the Rice Pudding
- In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the contents of the Moroccan Rice Pudding packet and pour in 1 litre of milk.
- Simmer uncovered over medium heat for approximately 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked to your desired consistency and the sauce becomes lusciously creamy.
- Remember, the pudding will thicken as it cools. Serve warm or cold, depending on your preference.
- Caramelize the Apricots
- While the pudding is cooking, prepare the apricots. Place the apricots cut-side down in a hot pan with a little of their juice and cook for about 4 minutes. Flip them and cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the juice to reduce and caramelize until the apricots are beautifully golden and glazed.
- Assemble the Dish
- Spoon the creamy rice pudding into bowls or dessert glasses. Top with the caramelized apricots and drizzle some of the juice from the pan for extra flavor.
- Decorate with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a handful of extra almonds, if desired, for a festive touch.
Serve this as the grand finale to your Christmas feast, or make it ahead of time for a fuss-free dessert that’s just as delightful the next day.