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Forkin
Dessert

Arroz Doce (Portuguese Rice Pudding)

This classic Portuguese rice pudding, or Arroz Doce, is a creamy and comforting dessert. Made with short-grain rice cooked in milk, sugar, and citrus zest, it's a delightful treat for any occasion. The final touch of ground cinnamon makes it visually appealing and aromatic.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
1 hr 50 min
Serves
6
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
314 kcal
VegetarianGluten-free

Allergen information: may contain eggs and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Arroz Doce (Portuguese Rice Pudding)

Mise en place

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 cupshort grain rice, rinsed
  • 1.5 cupwater
  • 4 cupmilk, whole milk recommended
  • 0.75 cupgranulated sugar
  • 1 pcslemon zest, from one lemon, in a large strip
  • 1 pcscinnamon stick
  • 2 pcsegg yolk
  • 1 pinchsalt

garnish

  • 1 tspground cinnamon

Equipment

serving bowls · medium saucepan · whisk · small bowl

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Combine the short grain rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

    About 5 min

  2. 2

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the water is mostly absorbed and the rice is par-cooked.

    About 12 min

  3. 3

    Add the milk, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon stick to the rice. Increase heat to medium-low.

    About 2 min

  4. 4

    Cook, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency.

    About 25 min

    Cook’s note: Stirring prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures even cooking.

  5. 5

    Remove the lemon zest and cinnamon stick from the rice pudding.

  6. 6

    In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks with a pinch of salt. Take about half a cup of the hot rice pudding and slowly whisk it into the egg yolks to temper them.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Tempering the egg yolks prevents them from scrambling when added to the hot pudding.

  7. 7

    Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the rice pudding. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes over low heat until slightly thicker.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Do not boil the pudding after adding the egg yolks, as this can cause them to curdle.

  8. 8

    Remove from heat and pour the Arroz Doce into individual serving bowls or a large serving dish.

    About 1 min

  9. 9

    Allow it to cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

    About 1 hr

    Cook’s note: Chilling allows the pudding to set further and enhances the flavors.

  10. 10

    Before serving, dust generously with ground cinnamon.

    Cook’s note: Use a stencil for decorative patterns if desired.

Per serving

Nutrition

72%Score
Calories
314.3kcal
Protein
8.7g
Carbs
63.4g
Fat
3.4g
Fibre
1.1g
Sugar
38.2g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover Arroz Doce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Arroz Doce is best served chilled or at room temperature; reheating is not recommended as it may alter the texture.