Portuguese rice pudding (arroz doce)

Arroz doce is a tasty Portuguese dessert that’s creamy and smells amazing, thanks to cinnamon and lemon.

It’s a favorite at family gatherings and celebrations. Every bite feels warm and comforting.

This recipe sticks to the old-school way of cooking it slowly. This method helps blend the flavors well and gives it a smooth texture. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes it look nice too!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain rice (like Arborio)
• 4 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 strip of lemon peel (just the yellow part)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Ground cinnamon, for topping

Instructions:

1. In a medium pot, boil the water with the cinnamon stick and lemon peel.
2. Add the rice, lower the heat, and simmer until most of the water is gone, about 15-20 minutes. Stir now and then.
3. In another pot, heat the milk and cream over medium heat until warm.
4. Don’t let it boil. Take it off the heat and set aside.
5. Slowly add the warm milk mix to the rice, about ½ cup at a time, stirring a lot.
6. Let each part soak in before adding more.
7. Keep going until the rice is soft and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
8. Mix in the sugar and vanilla. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
9. Add a bit of the hot rice mix to the yolks slowly while whisking.
10. Pour the yolk mix into the pot, stirring fast to keep it smooth.
11. Cook on low for 3-5 minutes until it thickens a bit.
12. Take it off the heat and throw away the cinnamon stick and lemon peel.
13. Put the arroz doce in a dish or bowls.
14. Let it cool a little, then sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
15. Serve it warm or cold, however you like!