Chocolate Rice Pudding (Champorado)

Champorado is a Filipino chocolate rice pudding that is cooked with white rice and cocoa powder, sweetened with sugar, and topped with milk. It also goes by Tsampurado or Champurado. However you refer it, Champorado is a simple snack that definitely hits the spot. it could be served warm or chilled. If you want, you could make a big batch and put it in the fridge to enjoy later.

I thought of kicking it up a notch by adding a few ingredients to this simple yet delectable pudding. And of course, veganize it. I simply added a bit of nutmeg and cinnamon and used cocoa palm sugar instead of regular white sugar (which is not vegan). I topped mine with coconut milk instead of cow’s milk and garnished with mint.

The traditional version is soupy in consistency but I made mine thick to resemble more of a pudding. Here’s how to make it:

Vegan Champorado Deluxe

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of white rice (I used broken white rice which is cheaper and cooks faster. You may also use sticky white rice).
• 4-5 cups of water
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (the quality of cocoa powder matters so make sure you’re using a good brand and of course preferably vegan)
• 1/3 – 1/2 cup coconut palm sugar or brown sugar
• pinch of cinnamon
• pinch of nutmeg
• drizzle of coconut milk
• mint leaves for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Rinse the rice with water, drain, and transfer it to a pot. Add the measured water and over medium heat, let it boil.
2. Turn down the heat then stir occasionally until the rice turns soft and the consistency becomes thick.
3. Pour the cocoa powder and sugar and incorporate well in the pot by mixing all the ingredients thoroughly.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg and mix well.
5. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
6. Let it simmer for another five minutes then turn off the heat.
7. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with coconut milk on top. Garnish with mint.
8. Enjoy warm or chilled.

Even by making it “deluxe”, Champorado remains a simple comfort food you could easily make at home, on a whim or planned. Kain na, let’s eat!