Chai Coconut Rice Pudding (Vegan)

This chai rice pudding is so good.  I found the recipe in Healthy Beginnings.

It takes a little bit of time, but is super easy.

1 cup long grain brown rice (recipe calls for sushi, or short grain rice) long grain worked fine.
2 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
1 star anise
1 teaspoon ground fresh ginger
8 green cardamom pods
8 whole black peppercorns
6 whole cloves
6 whole allspice berries
2 cups cooked adzuki beans
1 1/2 to 2 cups coconut milk
1/3 cup maple syrup
Pinch of salt
Ground cinnamon, for garnish


Add the water, rice, and spices in a tea ball to a medium size pot.  Turn the burner on medium heat and keep an eye on the rice. 

Once the rice starts to boil, add the aduki beans.  

I had never heard of aduki beans.  I found them at Whole Foods Market in a can.  This is what they look like. 

 

Let the beans and rice boil with the spices until the water is absorbed. 

Turn the burner down to low and add the maple syrup, salt, and coconut milk.  Add the milk slowly.  You may not need all of it.  Keep an eye on the pudding and stir about every 3-5 minutes.  Cook until the rice is plump and soft.  Serve hot or store in a glass container in the fridge.  It's delicious hot or cold and has a unique flavor from the spices, and coconut milk.  The beans add a soft gooey texture.  Enjoy!!