Black Rice Blueberry Pudding with Cardamom
Contest Winner
In our latest Mind Flowers Kitchen challenge, Eddi created something simple yet deeply satisfying: a creamy black rice pudding infused with cardamom and finished with juicy blueberries and toasted coconut. It’s a dish that feels both grounding and elevating — perfect as a morning breakfast, a mid-day treat, or even a gentle evening dessert.
This recipe uses no refined sugar — just the natural sweetness of maple syrup, fruit, and coconut milk. Black rice, sometimes called “forbidden rice,” is rich in antioxidants and minerals, making this dish as nourishing as it is delicious.
There’s something ceremonial about taking simple, earthy ingredients and turning them into nourishment. Black rice, once called “forbidden rice,” brings a deep grounding energy, while blueberries add brightness and vitality. Cardamom warms the heart and stirs the senses, and coconut offers a creamy sweetness without needing refined sugar.
This pudding is more than a recipe — it’s a little meditation in a bowl, a reminder that the food we prepare can also be a gift of care, presence, and healing.
Ingredients
¾ cup black rice
3 cardamom pods (plus more if you’d like extra spice)
1 cup boiling water (for soaking)
1 cup coconut milk (plus a little extra for drizzling)
Pinch of salt
3 tbsp maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 cup fresh blueberries
Toasted coconut flakes, for topping
🌱 Directions
Step 1: Soak Overnight
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the black rice and cardamom pods. Let it sit overnight to soften.
Step 2: Drain & Prepare
In the morning, pour off any excess water.
Step 3: Simmer the Pudding
Add 1 cup of coconut milk, a pinch of salt, and maple syrup to the rice. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 7 minutes. If you like a stronger flavor, tuck in a few more cardamom pods.
Step 4: Add the Fruit
Turn off the heat and stir in fresh blueberries. The warmth of the rice will soften them just enough while keeping their burst of flavor.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Spoon into bowls, drizzle with extra coconut milk, and top with toasted coconut flakes for a bit of crunch.
💜 Mindful Nourishment
This dish is a reminder that dessert can be medicine, too — not just in the ingredients, but in the way it’s prepared with care and shared with love. The deep purple of the rice, the fragrance of cardamom, and the brightness of blueberries all bring vibrancy to the table.
Keep an eye out for more of our kitchen challenges on the Mind Flowers website — and try this one soon for a sweet, grounding way to bring a little ceremony into your meals. 🌸