🍓 Coconut Raspberry Dessert Risotto

Creamy meets fruity. Sweet meets tart. Rich meets fresh. Texture meets smooth.

This dessert risotto is well-balanced in:

• Texture (creamy + chewy + crunchy)

• Flavor (sweet + tart + rich + aromatic)

• Nutrition (energy from rice + fat from coconut + protein from collagen)

🔬 Why This Risotto Works

1. Arborio Rice = Creamy Texture

• Arborio rice is high in starch, which releases during cooking to create a natural creaminess — no need for heavy cream or butter.

• Cooking it slowly with water and constant stirring develops that signature risotto texture: soft but with a slight bite (al dente).

2. Coconut Cream = Richness & Balance

• Coconut cream adds luxurious body and richness, acting as the “fat” element that traditional risottos get from cheese or butter.

• Its natural sweetness balances the tartness of the raspberries and complements the honey/maple syrup.

3. Raspberries = Tart Contrast

• Frozen raspberries break down quickly, swirling into the rice and creating a vibrant colour and tangy flavour.

• They cut through the richness of the coconut, preventing the dish from being overly sweet or heavy.

4. Honey/Maple Syrup = Sweetener with Depth

• These natural sweeteners not only provide sweetness but also depth of flavour (caramel notes from maple syrup or floral notes from honey).

• You can adjust them easily to taste without overwhelming the dish.

5. Collagen Powder = Nutritional Boost + Smooth Mouthfeel

• The Perfect Halal Beauty Unflavoured Collagen dissolves easily without altering flavour.

• It adds a subtle silkiness and a nutritional boost (especially protein), making this a functional dessert/snack.

6. Vanilla + Salt = Flavour Enhancers

• Vanilla extract enhances all the other sweet and fruity notes.

• A pinch of salt may seem minor, but it’s essential — it sharpens the flavours and balances sweetness.

7. Toppings = Texture & Freshness

• Shredded coconut gives a chewy texture contrast.

• Strawberries and mint add brightness, freshness, and a visual pop.

• An optional cookie crumb adds crunch, echoing a deconstructed dessert vibe.

🍓 Coconut Raspberry Dessert Risotto

Ingredients

• ½ cup Arborio rice

• 2 cups water

• ½ cup coconut cream

• 50g frozen raspberries

• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)

• Pinch of salt

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 20g The Perfect Halal Beauty Collagen Powder Unflavoured

• Cookie crumb (optional, for topping)

• Shredded coconut (for garnish)

• Diced strawberry (for garnish)

• Mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Start the risotto base:

   • In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a gentle simmer.

   • Stir in the Arborio rice and a small pinch of salt.

   • Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring frequently.

2. Cook until creamy:

   • Continue stirring as the rice absorbs the water. This should take about 20 minutes.

   • Add water in small splashes if it evaporates too quickly — you want the rice to be tender and slightly loose.

3. Add flavour & richness:

   • Once the rice is nearly fully cooked and creamy, stir in the coconut cream, vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup.

   • Mix well and let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and turn silky.

4. Add raspberries & collagen:

   • Stir in the frozen raspberries and cook for 1–2 minutes until they break down and swirl through the risotto.

   • Remove from heat and immediately mix in the collagen powder, stirring until fully dissolved.

5. Taste & adjust:

   • Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. Add a touch more honey or syrup if desired.

6. Plate & garnish:

   • Spoon into serving bowls while warm.

   • Top with a sprinkle of shredded coconut, diced strawberries, optional cookie crumb, and a fresh mint leaf.

Serving Tip:

This risotto can be served warm or chilled — it’s delicious either way. If chilling, let it cool completely and refrigerate for a few hours. The texture will thicken, more like a rice pudding.