Creamy Portuguese Arroz Doce (Rice Pudding) Recipe

Introduction

Arroz Doce is a classic Portuguese rice pudding that is creamy, fragrant, and comforting. With hints of vanilla and lemon, this delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups rice
• 1/4 cup sugar (heaping)
• 3 ½ cups milk, hot (plus 3 tbsp cold or room temperature)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 vanilla bean, sliced down the middle
• Lemon rind
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 tsp cinnamon powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium to large saucepan, combine 3 ½ cups of water with salt and mix well.
2. Step 2: Add the rice and lemon rind, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat and simmer until the rice is cooked, about 20 minutes.
4. Step 4: Pour in the hot milk and add the vanilla bean pod.
5. Step 5: Stir to combine, then cover and simmer until the liquid reduces and the rice is soft and creamy, about 20 to 30 minutes. Stir regularly during this time.
6. Step 6: Add the sugar, mix well, cover, and bring to a boil.
7. Step 7: Temper the egg yolks by slowly mixing them with the 3 tablespoons of cold milk, beating with a fork.
8. Step 8: Remove the rice pudding from heat and discard the lemon rind and vanilla bean.
9. Step 9: Gradually add the tempered egg yolks to the rice pudding, stirring constantly.
10. Step 10: Return the saucepan to the heat, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil again.
11. Step 11: Taste and adjust the sugar if needed.
12. Step 12: Remove from heat and transfer to serving bowls.
13. Step 13: Sprinkle cinnamon powder over the top for decoration.
14. Step 14: Serve warm or chilled and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, use whole milk or substitute part of the milk with cream.
• Add a splash of orange blossom water for a floral twist.
• Use ground cinnamon instead of powder for a subtler flavor.
• Serve topped with toasted almonds or raisins for added texture.

Storage

Store any leftover arroz doce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of rice for arroz doce?

Short-grain or medium-grain rice works best as they release more starch, creating a creamier texture. Avoid long-grain rice as it tends to be less sticky and creamy.

Is it necessary to temper the egg yolks?

Yes, tempering the yolks prevents them from curdling by gradually raising their temperature before adding them to the hot rice mixture, resulting in a smooth and creamy pudding.

Creamy Portuguese Arroz Doce (Rice Pudding) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 96 reviews

Arroz Doce is a traditional Portuguese rice pudding that is creamy, comforting, and fragrant with vanilla, lemon rind, and cinnamon. This classic dessert is made by simmering rice with milk and sugar, then thickening it with egg yolks for a rich, smooth texture. It’s perfect as a cozy treat or elegant dessert.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Portuguese
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 & 1/4 cups rice
• 1/4 cup sugar (heaping)
• 3 & 1/2 cups milk, hot (plus 3 tbsp cold or room temperature milk)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 pc vanilla bean, sliced down the middle
• Lemon rind (from one lemon)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 tsp cinnamon powder (for decoration)

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice base: Using a medium to large saucepan, combine 3 1/2 cups of water with 1 tsp salt and stir to dissolve. Add the rice and lemon rind, cover with a lid, and bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Cook the rice: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook covered for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and most water has been absorbed.
3. Add milk and vanilla: Pour in 3 1/2 cups of hot milk along with the sliced vanilla bean. Stir well to combine, then cover and continue to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking, until the liquid has reduced and the rice becomes soft and creamy.
4. Sweeten the pudding: Stir in the sugar, then cover and bring the mixture back to a gentle boil.
5. Temper the egg yolks: Beat the 2 large egg yolks with the remaining 3 tablespoons of cold or room temperature milk. Slowly add a small amount of the hot rice mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them and prevent curdling.
6. Incorporate the egg yolks: Remove the saucepan from heat, discard the lemon rind and vanilla bean, then gradually stir in the tempered yolk mixture, mixing constantly.
7. Final cooking: Return the saucepan to low heat, cover, and gently bring the pudding back to a boil while stirring continuously to thicken the mixture further without scrambling the eggs.
8. Final adjustments: Taste and adjust sugar if needed. Remove from heat once desired sweetness and consistency are achieved.
9. Serve: Transfer the arroz doce into serving bowls, sprinkle the top with cinnamon powder, and serve warm or chilled according to preference.

Notes

• Stir regularly during simmering to prevent the rice from sticking and burning on the bottom.
• Be cautious when tempering the eggs to avoid scrambling.
• The lemon rind adds a subtle citrus aroma but should be removed before serving.
• You can adjust the cinnamon amount on top to taste.
• This dessert can be served warm or chilled depending on personal preference.

Keywords: Arroz Doce, Portuguese Rice Pudding, rice pudding, traditional Portuguese dessert, creamy rice dessert, cinnamon rice pudding