Portuguese Rice Pudding

Editorial content from Empório Portugal. Traditional recipes may vary by region, family, and cook.

About the Recipe

Portuguese rice pudding is a family dessert, a staple at parties and served in dishes decorated with cinnamon.

The rice cooks slowly until it releases starch and absorbs flavored milk.

There are versions with egg yolks and others without; both belong to the domestic repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of rice
• 1 liter of milk
• 1 cup of sugar
• Lemon peel
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 optional egg yolks
• Cinnamon powder
• 1 pinch of salt

Preparation Method

1. Cook the rice in water with a pinch of salt until it starts to soften.
2. Add hot milk, lemon, and the cinnamon stick.
3. Cook slowly, stirring, until creamy.
4. Add sugar and cook for a few more minutes.
5. If using egg yolks, temper with part of the cream and incorporate off the heat.
6. Transfer to a serving dish and decorate with cinnamon.

Tips from Empório Portugal

• Stirring prevents sticking to the bottom.
• Sugar is added after the rice softens.
• The pudding firms up as it cools; leave it a bit creamier in the pot.

Possible Substitutions in Brazil

• Long grain rice works well.
• Whole milk gives better texture.

Pairing

Coffee or tea. No mandatory alcoholic beverage.