Plain Rice and Steamed Pear Breakfast

Soft white rice cooked until very tender, then folded together with steamed pear pieces that have been mashed smooth. The pear brings gentle natural sweetness while the rice gives substance and comfort. This is a simple, soothing breakfast that is easy on the stomach and kind to sensitive systems. The texture is creamy and yielding, the flavor delicate and mild. It comes together in about half an hour and fills the bowl with uncomplicated, nourishing warmth.

By TasteBuds

Recipe details

Yield
2 people
Prep time
5 minutes
Cook time
30 minutes
Total time
30 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½ cup white rice, rinsed until water runs clear
  • 1½ cups water (for cooking the rice)
  • 2 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored, and cut into small chunks
  • 1 cup water (for steaming the pears)

Instructions

  1. Rinse ½ cup white rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear, moving the grains gently with your fingers.
  2. Place the rinsed rice in a medium saucepan and add 1½ cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat uncovered.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  4. While the rice simmers, peel 2 medium ripe pears, cut them in half, remove the cores, and cut the flesh into small chunks.
  5. Fill a small saucepan with 1 cup water and set a steamer basket or insert inside. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat.
  6. Place the pear chunks in the steamer basket, cover, and steam for 8 to 10 minutes, until the pears are very soft and yield easily to a fork.
  7. Remove the steamer basket from the heat and transfer the pear chunks to a bowl. Mash them smooth with a fork or potato masher. The texture should be creamy with no large lumps remaining.
  8. When the rice timer goes off, remove the pan from the heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes to finish steaming and absorb any remaining moisture.
  9. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then fold in the mashed pear until the mixture is evenly combined and soft throughout.
  10. Divide between bowls and serve warm.