Arroz Doce (Portuguese Sweet Rice) Recipe
Description: Discover the delightful taste of Arroz Doce, a cherished Portuguese sweet rice pudding that’s been a family favorite for generations. This creamy, comforting dessert combines the simple ingredients of white rice, milk, and sugar with the aromatic essence of fresh lemon rind and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent treat, this recipe is a timeless classic that deserves a spot in your recipe collection.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: Approximately 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 fresh lemon rind (peeled in large strips)
- Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Boil the Water: Begin by bringing 2 cups of water to a vigorous boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. This initial step is crucial for properly cooking the rice and achieving the desired texture.
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Cook the Rice: Once the water is boiling, add 1 cup of white rice to the saucepan. Stir the rice briefly to ensure it is evenly distributed in the water. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. The rice should absorb all the water and become tender.
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Add Milk and Flavorings: After the rice has cooked, carefully add 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of sugar to the saucepan. Stir continuously to combine these ingredients thoroughly with the rice. Add the fresh lemon rind strips to infuse the pudding with a fragrant citrus flavor.
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Simmer and Thicken: Continue to cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a creamy, oatmeal-like consistency. This process should take about 15 to 20 minutes. The rice pudding will thicken further as it cools, so aim for a slightly runny consistency during cooking.
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Cool and Serve: Once the pudding has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the lemon rind strips and pour the sweet rice pudding into a large serving plate or dish. Spread the pudding out evenly to allow it to cool more quickly.
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Garnish with Cinnamon: For a touch of traditional flavor, use a pinch of ground cinnamon to decorate the top of the pudding. You can either create criss-cross patterns by pinching the cinnamon between your fingers and sprinkling it from a short distance above the surface, or simply dust the entire top with cinnamon.
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Let It Set: Allow the Arroz Doce to cool completely on a wire rack. Serve at room temperature for the best taste, but remember to refrigerate any leftovers.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 442.7
- Fat: 4.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
- Cholesterol: 17.1 mg
- Sodium: 65.4 mg
- Carbohydrates: 93.4 g
- Fiber: 1.3 g
- Sugar: 50 g
- Protein: 7.2 g
Enjoy this traditional Portuguese sweet rice pudding as a comforting dessert or a sweet treat any time of the year. Arroz Doce’s creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor make it a delightful addition to any dessert table. 🍚✨
