Description
Glorified Rice is a classic, creamy dessert salad featuring tender Arborio rice mixed with pineapple, strawberries, mini marshmallows, and sweet whipped cream. It’s a refreshing and nostalgic treat perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio Rice (such as Alessi brand)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 (16-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
Optional Garnish:
- Maraschino cherries
- Additional mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Cook Rice: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the 3 cups of water to a boil.
- Add Rice and Butter: Add the Arborio rice and butter to the boiling water. Cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Simmer Rice: Reduce the stove heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook undisturbed for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Cool Rice: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl. Fluff the rice with a fork. Allow the rice to cool completely to room temperature. This step is important so the whipped cream doesn’t melt.
- Combine Rice Mixture: Once the rice has cooled, add the drained pineapple tidbits, chopped strawberries, mini marshmallows, and granulated sugar to the bowl. Mix well. Let this mixture rest for about 10 minutes.
- Whip Cream: In a separate medium bowl (preferably chilled), using an electric mixer (stand mixer with whisk attachment or hand mixer), beat the cold heavy whipping cream on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the rice mixture using a rubber spatula until everything is evenly combined. Do not overmix.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve (at least 1-2 hours is recommended to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly).
- Serve: Serve cold. Garnish with maraschino cherries and additional mini marshmallows, if desired.
Notes
- Arborio Rice: Arborio rice is crucial for the creamy texture of this dish. Do not substitute regular long-grain rice.
- Cooling Rice: Ensure the rice is completely cooled before adding the whipped cream, otherwise the cream will melt and deflate.
- Fruit: Make sure the pineapple is well-drained. You can substitute or add other fruits like mandarin oranges.
- Whipping Cream: Use cold heavy whipping cream and optionally chill the bowl and beaters for best results. Beat until stiff peaks form.
- Storage: Store leftover Glorified Rice covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.