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Lemon Rice Pudding Portuguese rice pudding in a white oval baker with an orange striped napkin nearby.
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4.65 from 14 votes

Homemade Portuguese Sweet Rice Pudding (Arroz Doce)

Portuguese Sweet Rice is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest producing a rich and creamy dessert.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Portuguese
Keyword: Lemon Rice Pudding, Portuguese Rice Pudding, rice pudding
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 385cal
Cost: $5

Equipment

  • 6-quart stockpot
  • wooden spoon
  • Stovetop
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Jasmine rice white rice, short grain
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cups water
  • 6 cups whole milk
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 tbsp. Fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tsp. lemon extract
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 2 tbsps cinnamon

Instructions

  • In a thick stock pot, add your milk, water, butter, and rice bring these items to a boil over medium heat.
  • Once your rice is boiling add your lemon zest, extract, pinch of salt, and sugar
  • Reduce heat, and simmer over low heat for 25 minutes-stirring frequently.
  • Separate your egg yolks (if you have not done this earlier).
  • After 25 minutes, remove rice from heat, and stir in 1 egg yolk at a time. This is called tempering the eggs- it will cook them.
  • Place pot back on burner and cook on lowest heat setting for 5 minutes-stirring frequently.
  • Place in a nice serving dish, a Pyrex, or in individual cups.
  • Top with a generous amount of cinnamon & enjoy!
  • Refrigerate any leftovers.

Notes

Nutritional values may vary and are meant to be a guide.
Lemon Zest Tips
 
When zesting the rind (colorful portion of the lemon) off your lemon, be sure not to zest the pith which is the white membrane over the lemon.
 
Lemon gives this rice such a burst of beautiful flavor. I used two lemons which made about one tablespoon since I really love the flavor, however, you can dial it down to just one large lemon zest if you prefer. 
 
Optional Topping 
 
You can top this with whipped cream and extra cinnamon for a decadent dessert. 
Storing the Rice Pudding 
You can leave it at room temperature for the day (it tastes yummy warm or cold), but I recommend refrigerating any leftovers or rice you might not need until the next day. Simply cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. This does not freeze well.  
Nutritional values are meant to be a guide and may not be accurate. 

Nutrition

Serving: 8oz | Calories: 385cal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 445IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 0.6mg