Think Rice: Turmeric Rice Pudding in the Crock Pot

*By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by USA Rice Federation and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.  All opinions are my own.*

Today is part 2 of Think Rice week.  If you missed my 7 vegetable forbidden rice bowl then make sure you check that one out too….it’s a good one.  Turmeric milk has been gaining in popularity lately and for good reason.  Turmeric has been around for centuries so it is nothing new but we now know of its super food properties.  Turmeric milk is a home remedy believed to have its origins in the ayurvedic use of turmeric.  It has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer qualities which make it the perfect addition to any healthy diet.  I try to include turmeric everyday by adding it to smoothies, savory dishes, and now even to sweet dishes like rice pudding.  I thought to myself, why not use my love for turmeric milk in other ways and make a super nutritious breakfast (or dessert).  Yes this turmeric rice pudding is tasty enough for dessert but healthy enough for breakfast!

I am a big fan of overnight oats for a nice quick breakfast but when you are looking for something more warming and just as easy all you have to do is plug in your crock pot.  Nothing better then waking up to a home cooked breakfast.  This is just as easy as opening a box of cereal and so much more nutritious.  Rice is a great substitute for oats as both are still gluten free and very inexpensive.  Rice is a great pantry stable because of how versatile it is in making sweet or savory dishes.  If you can tolerate grains, rice is a great whole food source of complex carbohydrates and can be part of a healthy diet.

When it comes to grains like rice I do recommend sprouting them or buying already sprouted varieties.  This makes them easier to digest and reduces the phytic acid which acts against nutrients.  You can read all about sprouting here.  It is a small extra step to take to make sure you are getting the most benefit from your grains, nuts, and seeds.