Over the last years, I have become a major fan of risotto. I find it so versatile and universally delicious, and it’s definitely a comfort food for me. Warm and filled with flavors, a blank canvas for whatever you are in the mood for that day (my favorites are classics, though: simple plain risotto, or a risotto with peas and green asparagus, and, of course, mushrooms!). So whenever I’m not sure what to make for dinner, at least one thought goes to risotto. But today, I needed something sweet.
When I was younger, my mom would sometimes make a sort of sweet rice pudding, called “Milchreis” (milk rice) in German. This was not just for dessert, no, we ate it for lunch, with either a mix of cinnamon and sugar (generously) drizzled on top, or with preserved sour cherries (you can buy those in glasses in Germany, and they are great on rice pudding or heated on vanilla ice cream, because they help balance out the sweetness a bit). In Germany, you eat warm lunch and usually dinner is a cold sandwich, so whenever there was Milchreis for lunch after school, the day suddenly got more awesome, and my sisters and I happily dug into the comforting, sweet deliciousness!
My mom used to make Milchreis in a large pressure cooker, and I remember that when the cooking time was done, she would walk upstairs with the hot pot and wrap it tightly in the duvets of her bed so it could sit and soak and become even more heavenly delicious!
So, in reminiscense of the good ol’ times and the many a great plate of Milchreis, I set out to create a sort of “glorified Milchreis”, which I shall call a sweet risotto. On my search, I came across different recipes using peaches, and I decided to blend them all together to make my own. This is inspired by eatsmarter and Jamie Oliver, and it’s my interpretation of “grown-up Milchreis”. Dessert for dinner - does it get any better? Of course, you could also serve this as an actual dessert, but that’s way less fun, if you ask me!
This dish is just amazing. It’s soft and indulgent, with the sweet taste of vanilla and a splash of sweet dessert wine. And the peaches! They add a lovely little sour balance to the dish, even though they are glazed with honey. And there’s just something about warm fruit that is utterly comforting, and it reminds me of cake and other baking delights.
The recipe served two people for dinner, i.e. as a full meal. I would think that it serves 4-6 people for dessert, depending on how much food they’ve had before!
Sweet vanilla risotto with grilled peaches
180g arborio rice (risotto rice)
600ml milk
100ml sweet dessert wine (I used a Sauternes)
1 vanilla pod
1-2 tbsp. brown sugar
8 peaches
2 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. butter
Add the butter to a large pan and let it melt. Cut the vanilla pod length-wise and scrape out the seeds. Add to the butter and let simmer for a bit. Add the rice and cook for about 2-3 min, stirring constantly. Then add the wine and continue stirring until it is almost absorbed. Meanwhile, heat the milk in a smaller pot - make sure it does not boil, but it should be hot when it is added to the rice. When the wine is almost fully absorbed, add the sugar and then the hot milk, one ladle-full at a time, and keep stirring. You don’t have to stir constantly, but you should be by the stove the entire time while the risotto is cooking. I also put the scraped vanilla pod in the pan, so that even the tiniest rest of flavor could be absorbed into the risotto. When the risotto is done, remove the vanilla pods before serving.
Wash the peaches and halve them. Remove the seeds and set into a baking pan. Drizzle with honey and grill in the oven for about 10-12 min. If your oven has it, use the grill function, otherwise set it to 200 degrees.
For serving, you could sprinkle the risotto with a little more brown sugar, if you like. Otherwise just arrange nicely with the peaches and serve with a glass of chilled dessert wine. Enjoy!
alifemoment says
Delicious risotto! :)
Laura says
It is! I have a small portion left in the fridge that I can’t wait to eat for dessert tonight!
alifemoment says
Lucky you! :)
no16cyclecaps says
Wow! With a day off work today I’m going to try this recipe for my family tonight. Being winter here in Australia,I may have to make do with tinned peaches.
thanks!
Ian
Melbourne
Laura says
Great, I’d love to hear what you think about it!
Ema Jones says
Super-like!!
Fond of summer grills?
Chill with 6 Grills :)
Try http://bit.ly/1pivaOw
Laura says
I love grilling - you have some fun ideas in your post!
Ashley says
This looks delicious! I studied abroad in Denmark and had a similar treat around the holidays.
Loving the blog — brings back so many memories!
x
Laura says
Yes, “riz à l’amande” is a very popular Christmas dessert which is similar to this recipe, but with whipped cream and chopped almonds - delicious!! Glad you enjoy the blog! :)