Vanilla rice pudding with berries

1. In a medium sized saucepan, melt the butter over a medium heat. Once melted, add the rice and cook while stirring for 3-5 minutes to toast the rice.  
2. Reduce to a low medium heat. Add the vanilla and 2 tbsp brown sugar to the rice and stir to combine. Gradually add the milk a ladle at a time, stirring until completely absorbed before adding another ladle full. Repeat until the rice is tender and the pudding is creamy, using as much liquid as needed.  
3. Once the rice pudding has cooked, divide between two mini cocottes and set aside to cool until warm. Place the frozen berries, remaining brown sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan and set over a medium heat. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until a saucy consistency is achieved. Leave to cool for 5 minutes.  
4. Serve the berries over the top of the warm rice pudding and garnish before serving. Keep stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.  

Top tips:

• Why is Arborio rice used? Arborio rice is high in starch which gives a creamy texture when cooked. 
• Why do I need to toast the rice? This gives flavour and most importantly forms a protective layer over each grain of rice so that it can absorb the milk evenly and slowly, for the perfect rice pudding texture. 

• Why is Arborio rice used? Arborio rice is high in starch which gives a creamy texture when cooked. 
• Why do I need to toast the rice? This gives flavour and most importantly forms a protective layer over each grain of rice so that it can absorb the milk evenly and slowly, for the perfect rice pudding texture. 
• Can I add other fruit other than berries? Yes, you can also substitute the berries with seasonal fruit or canned fruit such as Black Doris Plums or peach slices.  
• How many times can I reheat this? You should only reheat food once—portion this into smaller serves if you want to reheat smaller portions over time.  
• How do I store this? This is best stored in sealed, airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. We do not recommend freezing this as it will change the texture of the dish.