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eva watts

Rice Chocolate Mousse

I really hate throwing away food. It feels like every other day I’m looking at a small bowl of leftover rice in the fridge that isn't quite enough for a full meal, but I just can't bring myself to toss it. That is exactly how I stumbled upon this Rice Chocolate Mousse. I’ll admit, the first time I heard about putting rice in a dessert that wasn't rice pudding, I was a little unsure. But once I tried it, I was completely shocked at how creamy and rich it turned out.
I love that this recipe feels like a little secret. When I serve it to my friends, they always guess it’s made with heavy cream or some kind of fancy thickener. They never suspect it’s actually just that bit of rice from last night's dinner! The smell of the dark chocolate melting on the stove is so warm and comforting, and it makes the whole house feel like a little chocolate shop for a while.
What I really appreciate about this mousse is how practical it is for a busy afternoon. It only takes about five minutes of actual work, and then the fridge does all the rest. It’s a very honest, simple treat that makes me feel good because I’m being resourceful with my leftovers.
Whenever I have a quiet evening to myself, I like to have a little cup of this. It’s thick, it’s dark, and it satisfies that chocolate craving without being too heavy. It’s a reliable little trick that has turned my "fridge scraps" into one of my favorite sweet treats. It just goes to show that you don't need a lot of expensive ingredients to make something that tastes truly special.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dessert

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups dark chocolate (vegan, melted)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup leftover rice (1 day old maximum)
  • ½ cup hot water
  • Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Equipment

  • High-Speed Blender
  • Small bowl
  • Dessert Cups
  • Fine-Mesh Sifter

Method
 

  1. Melt the Dark Chocolate: First, you need to melt your dark chocolate. I usually put it in a glass bowl over a small pot of simmering water, but you can use the microwave in 30-second bursts if you are in a hurry. You want to stir it gently until it is completely smooth and glossy without any lumps left. Be careful not to let any water get into the chocolate, or it might seize up and get grainy, which is the last thing we want for a silky mousse.
  2. Blend Until Smooth: Now, grab your high-speed blender and add in the leftover rice, the hot water, your vanilla extract, and that beautiful melted chocolate. Turn the blender on to its highest setting and let it run until the mixture is perfectly smooth and looks like a dark, thick velvet. This is the part where the rice magically disappears! You want to make sure there are absolutely no tiny bits of rice left at all, so don't be afraid to let it run for an extra minute just to be safe.
  3. Portion and Chill: Once the mixture is totally smooth and smells incredible, pour it evenly into your favorite dessert cups. I like to use glass ones so you can see the rich color. Place them in the refrigerator for at least two hours to let them rest. During this time, the melted chocolate and the starch from the rice will work together to thicken the mousse into a dense, creamy pudding that is firm enough to hold its shape on a spoon but still soft enough to melt in your mouth.
  4. Dust and Serve: When the two hours are finally up and the mousse feels firm to the touch, take the cups out of the fridge. Use a small sifter to lightly dust the top of each serving with a bit of cocoa powder. This adds a professional, finished look and a little extra punch of chocolate flavor that is just lovely. Serve it immediately while it is still nice and cold, and enjoy the look on everyone's face when you tell them the secret ingredient is just a cup of leftover rice!