Sunbutter rice pudding, dessert or breakfast in a bowl

Fur pups chilling out on a hot day

These days when I prepare a meal or snack, I feel more like a scientist than a chef. Why? I need to know so much more about my food than, "Does it taste good?"

 I need to know it's chemical composition; whether it contains "resistant starch" (starch that isn't easily absorbed); whether it digests easily (it's fermentation potential); whether it's high or low glycemic.Why do I need all this information? I must limit difficult-to-digest carbohydrates in my diet in order to control my IBS-like symptoms, related to bacterial overgrowth.

I can't just grab food and insert into mouth anymore. Everything has to be scientifically evaluated for fermentable material.

Sunbutter rice pudding becomes dessert with chocolate bits on top

Many individuals with an autoimmune disease find relief by eliminating traditional foods and switching to low glycemic foods, like quinoa, lentils, black beans, oatmeal, etc. I can't eat these foods without increasing my symptoms. These foods contain resistant starches or starches that aren't absorbed. Moderate amounts of resistant starch aren't a problem for most healthy people but in individuals with digestive illnesses, they can fuel the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine or SIBO.

My new scientific know-how about foods has enabled me to find some starches I can eat in moderation.I look for ones that contain more amylopectin starch (higher glycemic index), such as jasmine rice, short grain sticky rice (sushi rice) and certain varieties of potatoes.

Yes, I can't believe I am eating jasmine rice, something I avoided for years because it was high glycemic. It's easier to digest and absorb than foods containing more amylose starch (lower glycemic index), such as basmati rice or oats. I always eat it fully cooked and hot because undercooked or cooked, then cooled foods contain more resistant starch---another science lesson.

Here's what you need for 4 servings of heavenly Sunbutter Rice Pudding:

1/2 cup uncooked jasmine rice
1 1/4 cup milk of choice
pinch of salt
1/4 cup sunbutter or peanut butter or other nut butter
1/3 cup water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
stevia or other sweetener, to taste
optional chocolate chips

 Here's what you do:

In a medium saucepan with lid, cook rice, milk with pinch of salt for 40 minutes. Stir in the sunbutter and water and return to boil. Turn off the heat and leave for 20 minutes. Stir in the sweetener, vanilla and optional chocolate chips.

Now, enjoy your delicious pudding for breakfast or dessert.

Recipe contributed to:

http://wholenewmom.com/traditional-tuesday/foolproof-gf-pizza-crust-dark-chocolate-cherry-tart-butter-pecan-ice-cream-v-cauliflower-nuggets/