Description
This comforting Vanilla & Cinnamon Breakfast Rice recipe combines tender wholemeal basmati rice simmered with aromatic vanilla, bay leaves, and cinnamon, paired with soft, sweet apricots and creamy bio yogurt, topped with crunchy walnut pieces. Perfect as a warm morning meal or a chilled make-ahead breakfast option rich in flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Mixture
- 200g wholemeal basmati rice
- 200ml whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
Apricots
- 12 dried apricots, split in half widthways (to maintain appearance)
- 300ml water (for cooking apricots)
To Serve
- 4 x 100ml pots bio yogurt
- 12 walnut halves, broken into pieces
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Tip the rice into a large, deep non-stick pan with 600ml water, whole milk, vanilla extract, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover with a lid and reduce to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Watch carefully towards the end to prevent it from boiling dry.
- Prepare the Apricots: While the rice cooks, place the dried apricots into a small pan with 300ml water. Cook over low to medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until the apricots become soft and tender. Once done, set them aside to cool.
- Combine Rice and Yogurt: Remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick from the cooked rice. Stir in half of the bio yogurt gently to create a creamy texture. Both the rice mixture and apricots can be kept chilled separately for up to 24 hours if preparing in advance.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy rice into serving bowls. Top each portion with the remaining yogurt, the cooked apricots along with their cooking juices, and the broken walnut pieces for crunch. If reheating, warm gently and add a splash of milk to loosen the rice.
Notes
- Keep an eye on the rice while simmering to avoid drying out or burning at the bottom.
- Splitting the apricots halfway ensures they stay visually appealing when served.
- This dish can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it versatile for meal prep.
- Adding extra milk when reheating helps restore creamy consistency.
- Use bio yogurt or any plain yogurt of choice for creamy texture and subtle tang.
- Walnuts add a delightful crunch and boost the nutrient profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: breakfast rice, vanilla cinnamon rice, healthy breakfast, wholemeal rice porridge, creamy rice, apricot breakfast, yogurt topped rice
