Rice is one of the staple ingredients in my cupboard, and in most cases, I use it for savory dishes. But there are moments when I use it for desserts and mix it up with flavors I love.

One of my all-time favorite rice pudding flavors is chocolate because I grew up with it. It is easy and simple to make, with straightforward chocolate and rice flavors. But this time I used dark chocolate and candied orange peel. And for a more intense touch of orange, add a splash of Cointreau, an orange-flavored liqueur. Imagine the orange accent you taste with every spoonful you eat. Delicious.

Image: Rowena Dumlao-Giardina/SheKnows

Dark chocolate rice pudding with candied orange peel recipe

Serves 2 – 3

Prep time: 3 minutes | Cook time: 22 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked rice, like Arborio

4 cups milk

1/4 cup sugar

3 tablespoons candied orange peel, finely chopped, plus a few strips for garnish

3.5 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons Cointreau or similar orange-flavored liqueur (optional)

Directions:

To a medium pot over high heat, add the rice, milk and sugar, and bring it to a boil. When boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender with a creamy consistency. Stir occasionally. Add the chocolate, 2 tablespoons of candied orange peel and the Cointreau (if using), and mix well until the chocolate has completely melted and is mixed with the rice. Transfer to individual bowls, and garnish with the remaining chopped candied orange peel and strips.

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