Portuguese Rice Pudding Recipe
Portuguese rice pudding, also known as "arroz doce," is a classic dessert in Portuguese cuisine. It is made by cooking rice in milk, sugar, and cinnamon until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Some variations of the recipe may also include lemon zest or vanilla extract for added flavor.
To make Portuguese rice pudding, you will need short-grain rice, whole milk, sugar, cinnamon sticks, lemon zest (optional), and vanilla extract (optional). To prepare, rinse the rice and cook it in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes until it is partially cooked. Drain the rice and transfer it to a large pot with the milk, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and lemon zest (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the rice is fully cooked. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract (if using). Serve warm or chilled, garnished with additional cinnamon and/or lemon zest.
Portuguese rice pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It can be enjoyed as a standalone dessert or paired with other traditional Portuguese dishes, such as "pastéis de nata" or "bolo de arroz."
Ingredients
Directions
- Bring water to a boil in medium saucepan.
- Add rice and cover, simmering for 20 minutes.
- Add milk, sugar and lemon rind, stirring constantly until thickened to oatmeal consistency, about 15-20 minutes.
- It will also thicken some while cooling.
- Add 2 egg yolks slowly while mixing (optional).
- Pour into one large serving plate and remove lemon rind.
- Spread flat and allow to cool on wire rack.
- You can be decorative with cinnamon by pinching a bit between your fingers and place while your hand is no more than an inch away from the rice (criss cross patterns are traditional), or you can just dust the entire top with the cinnamon.
- Serve at room temp, but refrigerate uneaten portion.
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