Portuguese rice pudding is the stovetop kind, creamy with a strip of lemon and a shake of cinnamon. I stir it low and slow so the rice stays whole instead of turning to mush.
The preparation involves simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, ensuring a delicious result that will please everyone. It’s a delightful way to end a meal, and it also works wonderfully as a sweet snack.
Traditional Portuguese Rice Pudding Recipe
This creamy rice pudding is made with Arborio rice, milk, sugar, and flavored with lemon zest and cinnamon. The dish simmers gently until rich and thick, creating a dessert that serves 6 people and is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 lemon, zested
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon for serving
- Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the Arborio rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon sticks, and salt.
- Cook the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens (about 25-30 minutes).
- Add Vanilla: Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Discard the cinnamon sticks.
- Serve: Spoon the pudding into serving bowls. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Dust with ground cinnamon and garnish with lemon wedges if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Calories: 240kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
Chill it or serve it warm, both work with a little cinnamon on top.
