Portuguese Arroz Doce (Rice Pudding)

Arroz doce is a traditional Portuguese rice pudding served at family celebrations, where lemon peel and cinnamon perfume the creamy rice.

Cooking the rice in water first keeps the grains tender before milk, sugar, and egg yolks create a smooth custard-like finish.

Temper the egg yolks with hot pudding before returning them to the pot so they thicken the dessert without scrambling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled or slightly warm in shallow bowls with cinnamon designs, orange segments, or coffee.

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Press parchment or plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Portuguese Arroz Doce

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A creamy Portuguese rice pudding infused with lemon and cinnamon and finished with egg yolks for a silky texture.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Portuguese

Calories: 360

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x?

Rice Pudding

• 1 cup short-grain rice rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 4 cups whole milk warm
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 strip lemon peel wide strip, no white pith
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon for dusting

Equipment

• Heavy saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Fine grater
• Shallow serving bowls

Method

 

Cook the Rice:

1. Combine the rice, water, lemon peel, and cinnamon stick in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook until the water is almost absorbed, about 15 minutes.
2. Warm the milk separately, then gradually stir it into the rice.

Make the Custard:

1. Add the sugar and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring often, until creamy and tender.
2. Whisk the egg yolks and vanilla in a bowl. Slowly whisk in a cup of hot pudding, then return the mixture to the saucepan.
3. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes without boiling, until lightly thickened.

Chill and Serve:

1. Remove the lemon peel and cinnamon stick. Spoon the pudding into shallow bowls.
2. Cool slightly or chill completely, then dust with cinnamon before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 43g

Notes

• The pudding thickens as it cools, so remove it from the heat while it is still spoonable.
• Use a vegetable peeler for a clean lemon strip without bitter white pith.