
Arroz doce
Enjoy the warmth of Arroz doce on special occasions, a dish that brings families together in every spoonful.
On those cozy evenings in Lisbon, when families gather around the table, the sweet scent of Arroz doce: A Sweet Tradition wafts through the air, inviting everyone to dig in. This delightful rice pudding is a beloved fixture at all kinds of celebrations, from birthdays to weddings, and it truly shines during Christmas. I fondly recall making it for the first time with my grandmother, her tender hands guiding mine as we mixed the creamy goodness in a big pot. Each bite takes me back to our warm kitchen, filled with laughter and love.

Arroz doce: A Sweet Tradition is all about simplicity and richness. Creamy rice cooked in milk, sweetened just right, with a whisper of cinnamon woven in. It’s served in small bowls, often topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, accompanied by stories and laughter around the dinner table. This dish doesn’t just fill your belly; it fills your heart, connecting generations and creating cherished memories that linger long after the last spoonful.
Ingredients · 4 servings
- 125 g (1/2 cup) short-grain rice
- 1 liter (4 cups) whole milk
- 150 g (3/4 cup) sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 lemon peel
- 1 pinch of salt
- cinnamon powder for sprinkling
Method
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a pot, combine the rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, lemon peel, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
- Remove the pot from heat and discard the cinnamon stick and lemon peel.
- Transfer the pudding to serving bowls and let it cool slightly before refrigerating.
- Before serving, sprinkle with cinnamon powder.