Lime-Scented Poppy-Seed Rice Pudding with Mango

• Recipe by Marcus Samuelsson

For centuries, farmers have been growing rice in Senegal, on the western coast of Africa, where it’s a staple food. Here, Samuelsson uses it to create an utterly luxurious pudding, brightening the creamy flavor with grated lime zest, vanilla and cubes of fresh mango.

Ingredients

1. 2 1/2 quarts whole milk
2. 2 cups short-grain rice (14 ounces)
3. One 14-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
4. 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
5. 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
6. 1 1/4 cups sugar
7. 1/2 cup heavy cream
8. Finely grated zest of 1 lime
9. 6 ripe mangoes—peeled and cut into 1-inch dice

Directions

1. In a medium enameled cast-iron casserole, combine the milk with the rice, coconut milk, vanilla bean and seeds and the poppy seeds and bring to a simmer over moderately high heat, stirring. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until the rice is tender, about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
2. Stir the sugar, heavy cream and lime zest into the rice and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice pudding is sweet and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. Spoon the rice pudding into small bowls and top with the mango.

Make Ahead

The rice pudding can be refrigerated overnight. Serve chilled or at room temperature.