This traditional Portuguese rice pudding recipe is super easy to make. It's a creamy dessert with simple ingredients flavored with cinnamon and lemon.
If you're looking for a comforting dessert, you're in the right place! This is my absolutely favorite rice pudding, it was given to me by my beloved grandmother.
I didn't try to add or remove any ingredient because for us the recipe is perfect the way it is. One of the simplest, creamiest and most delicious dessert you'll ever tried! Belive me, you won't regret it!
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this classic dessert! For this easy rice pudding recipe you don't need eggs to make it creamier, just milk, sugar and a pinch of salt, lemon peel and cinnamon sticks to season the rice cooking water.
This homemade rice pudding is easily one of the best desserts around here, it’s definitely worth it! If you liked this version of rice pudding, we have two more versions that you should try, this Creamy rice pudding and Creamy rice pudding with condensed milk.
Here you'll find all the ingredients needed to make this easy recipe:
Rice - To make the perfect rice pudding we use medium-grain rice. Medium-grain rice makes the rice pudding creamier and absorbs the flavors much more.
Water - For cooking the rice.
Milk - Adds flavor and a creamy texture to the rice.
Granulated sugar - Sweetens it up.
Lemon peel - Adds a very nice fresh flavor.
Cinnamon powder and cinnamon stick - Ingredients that add flavor.
Salt - Highlights all the other flavors.
Below you’ll find the correct measurement of all ingredients and the step-by-step guide for this recipe.
HOW TO MAKE THIS TRADITIONAL RICE PUDDING
Step 1: In a medium saucepan, pour the water, lemon peel, one cinnamon stick and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil on a high heat.
Step 2: When starts boiling, remove the cinnamon stick. Reduce to low heat and add the rice.
Stir and cook the rice for 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 3: Meanwhile, in a saucepan, pour the milk and the remaining cinnamon stick. Boil on a medium-high heat. When starts boiling, turn off the heat and remove the cinnamon stick.
Step 4: When the rice is cooked, pour the milk into the rice pan. Stir and boil on a medium-low heat until obtain a creamy mixture (about 20 to 25 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Remove the lemon peel and add the sugar. Stir and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Turn off the heat, pour the rice in a large bowl or in individual bowls and garnish with cinnamon powder.
Step 7: Allow to cool to room temperature and serve.
RECIPE TIPS FOR PORTUGUESE RICE PUDDING
1. One of the most important things is choosing the right rice, medium-grain rice works best for this recipe of rice pudding due to their higher starch content, which helps create a creamy texture and to absorb the flavors much more.
2. Stir the rice pudding frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Rice pudding can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
4. Always cook the rice with the pan covered and over low heat to prevent the rice from burning and sticking to the bottom of the pan.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I store rice pudding in the fridge?
Yes, you can store in the fridge! Allow the rice to cool to room temperature and place it in an airtight container. You can store the rice in the fridge for up 3-4 days. Beyond this time frame, it might start losing its taste and quality.
Can I make this rice pudding with long grain rice?
You can, but we prefer to make it with medium grain rice. Medium-grain rice makes the rice pudding creamier and has the advantage of absorbing flavors much more.
In a medium saucepan, pour the water, lemon peel, one cinnamon stick and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil on a high heat.
When starts boiling, remove the cinnamon stick. Reduce to low heat and add the rice. Stir and cook the rice for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, pour the milk and the remaining cinnamon stick. Boil on a medium-high heat. When starts boiling, turn off the heat and remove the cinnamon stick.
When the rice is cooked, pour the milk into the rice pan. Stir and boil on a medium-low heat until obtain a creamy mixture (about 20 to 25 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Remove the lemon peel and add the sugar. Stir and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Turn off the heat, pour the rice in a large bowl or in individual bowls and garnish with cinnamon powder.
Food From Portugal was created with the aim of promoting Portuguese food to all corners of the world. Here you can find a little of everything, main dishes, side dishes, desserts, typical Portuguese food, quick and easy recipes and much more.
