Copycat Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt Recipe

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Not long ago, I stumbled upon the charm of this delightful fusion—a creamy, tangy yogurt mixed with the chewy, satisfying goodness of purple rice; it was love at first taste. Now, I’ve decided it’s too good not to share, and I’m thrilled to guide you through making your very own Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt right in the comfort of your kitchen.

How to make Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt

Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt is a popular brand known for its unique take on yogurt, which combines it with rice. Originating from Taiwan, Yomie’s specializes in rice-based yogurt drinks and desserts. Their products often feature a smooth, creamy texture and a slight rice flavor, offering a twist on traditional yogurt.

Ingredients

For the purple rice:

• 1/2 cup of purple rice (also known as black rice)
• 1 cup of water (for soaking)
• 2 cups of water (for cooking)

For the homemade yogurt:

• 2 cups of whole milk
• 2 tablespoons of store-bought natural yogurt (with live cultures)

For assembling the drink:

• Honey or sweetener of choice to taste
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the purple rice:

1. Rinse and Soak: Begin by rinsing the purple rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in 1 cup of water for at least 4 hours or overnight if time allows. This soaking process helps soften the rice and reduce the cooking time.
2. Cook the Rice: Drain the rice and transfer it to a pot. Add 2 cups of fresh water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the water has been absorbed.
3. Cool Down: Allow the cooked rice to cool completely. Spread it out on a tray to speed up the cooling process.

Making the yogurt:

1. Heat the Milk: Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat it until it just starts to simmer around the edges. Do not let it boil. Then, let the milk cool until it’s just warm to the touch.
2. Inoculate the Milk: Transfer the warm milk to a clean container. Add the store-bought natural yogurt to the milk and mix well. This process introduces the live cultures necessary for fermentation.
3. Ferment: Cover the container and place it in a warm spot for about 8-12 hours or overnight. You’re looking for a thickened yogurt consistency. Avoid stirring or disturbing it during this time.
4. Refrigerate: Once set, refrigerate the yogurt until it’s cold and further thickened.

Assembling the drink:

1. Prepare the Glass: Take a tall glass and add a generous layer of cooked purple rice at the bottom.
2. Sweeten the Yogurt: Mix the homemade yogurt with honey or your choice of sweetener to taste. If the yogurt is too thick, you can thin it with a little milk to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Assemble the Drink: Spoon or pour the sweetened yogurt over the purple rice. If you like your drink chilled, add a few ice cubes.
4. Mix and Enjoy: Give the drink a good stir to mix the rice and yogurt. Enjoy your homemade Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt drink!

Tips for Success

• Rice Cooking: Ensure the purple rice is well cooked but not mushy, as it adds a delightful chewiness to the drink.
• Yogurt Thickness: Adjust the fermentation time based on how thick you prefer your yogurt. Warmer environments might speed up the process.
• Sweetness Level: The beauty of making this drink at home is the ability to control the sweetness. Add honey or sweetener little by little, tasting as you go.
• Serving: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle a little honey over the drink before serving.

What to serve with

When considering what to serve with Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt, it’s important to strike a balance that complements the creaminess and unique texture of the drink.

Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Mango or Peaches: The sweetness and slight acidity of these fruits can beautifully complement the tang of the yogurt.
• Berries: Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries offer an antioxidant boost and a burst of freshness.
• Banana Slices: Add a creamy, sweet element that pairs well with the chewy texture of the rice.

Nuts and Seeds

• Chopped Almonds or Walnuts: Sprinkle some on top for an added crunch and a boost of healthy fats.
• Chia Seeds: They can be mixed into the yogurt or sprinkled on top for extra fiber and texture.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Another crunchy element that brings in magnesium and zinc.

Dried fruits

• Raisins: Their natural sweetness can enrich the overall flavor profile.
• Goji Berries: Known for their health benefits, they can add a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness.

Superfood Toppings

• Coconut Flakes: Offer a tropical flair and a chewy texture.
• Cacao Nibs: These can add a chocolatey note and a powerful punch of antioxidants.
• Acai or Matcha Powder: For an extra superfood boost, you can mix these powders into the yogurt before adding them to the rice.

Sweet Treats

• Honeycomb: An impressive and delicious topping that provides a rich, natural sweetness.
• Dark Chocolate Shavings: A little bit of dark chocolate offers a pleasant bitterness that can counteract the sweetness of the yogurt.

Savory Snacks

• Granola: A crunchy and wholesome addition that can be sprinkled on top for extra flavor and variety in texture.
• Crispbreads or Rice Cakes: They can be served on the side for those who want a bit of crunch to accompany the creaminess.
• Cheese and Crackers: Surprisingly, pairing a slightly savory element like cheese can complement the sweet drink.

Beverage Pairings

• Green Tea: The astringency and earthiness can cleanse the palate between sips of the sweet and creamy drink.
• Herbal Teas: Chamomile, peppermint, or lemongrass tea can be a light and refreshing accompaniment.

Dessert Companions

• Scones or Biscuits: Perfect for dipping into the yogurt or for a sweet and hearty side.
• Light Cakes: Angel food cake, chiffon, or a simple butter cake would pair well without overwhelming the drink with additional sweetness.

Ingredients Substitutes

Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt is known for its combination of fermented yogurt and rice creating a unique and nutritious beverage. If you’re looking to make a similar drink at home but need to substitute some of the traditional ingredients due to dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or availability issues, here are detailed options for substitutions:

For Yogurt:

• Dairy-Free Yogurt: Those with lactose intolerance or on a vegan diet can opt for plant-based yogurts made from coconut, almond, soy, or oat milk. However, the consistency and taste may vary slightly from traditional dairy yogurt.
• Greek Yogurt: For a thicker, creamier texture and a higher protein content, Greek yogurt can be a substitute for regular yogurt.
• Kefir: This is a fermented milk drink with a thinner consistency but a similar tangy taste. It’s a good probiotic alternative.

For Rice:

• Brown Rice: If you are looking for a whole-grain option with more fiber, you can use cooked brown rice instead of white rice. Keep in mind it has a chewier texture and nuttier flavor.
• Quinoa: A protein-packed seed that can serve as a gluten-free alternative to rice with a similar texture.
• Oat Groats: For a different texture and a boost of fiber, oat groats can be cooked and used in place of rice.

For Sweeteners:

• Honey: Instead of processed sugar, honey can be used to sweeten your beverage naturally. It adds a floral note, depending on the type you choose.
• Maple Syrup: For vegans, maple syrup is an excellent plant-based sweetener alternative.
• Agave Nectar: Another vegan option that is sweeter than sugar, so you may need to use it sparingly.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit: These are natural, low-calorie sweeteners for those watching their sugar intake.

For Flavorings and Add-ins:

• Vanilla Extract: If you can’t find vanilla beans or vanilla bean paste, a small amount of vanilla extract can be used to add fragrance.
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg: To introduce warmth and complexity of flavor, sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Fruit Purees: Depending on the season, you can substitute fresh fruits with pureed fruits to mix into your yogurty rice beverage.

Final Thoughts

Making this Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt drink at home not only offers a healthful and satisfying treat but also brings the joy of creating something truly unique and delicious. The combination of creamy yogurt and chewy purple rice, sweetened to your liking, is bound to become a favorite in your repertoire of homemade delights.