Portuguese Sweet Rice, known locally as “Arroz Doce”, is one of Portugal’s most traditional and comforting desserts. Creamy, fragrant, and lightly sweetened, it brings together simple ingredients—milk, rice, sugar, and eggs—to create a dessert that feels like home. Often prepared for Christmas, Easter, weddings, and family gatherings, this dish symbolizes celebration, warmth, and togetherness. With its delicate hint of vanilla and its creamy texture, Arroz Doce is a perfect example of how Portuguese cuisine transforms humble ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ quarts milk
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: About 1 cup per person
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Milk Base
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not let it boil. Stir occasionally to prevent scalding.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Add the uncooked white rice to the hot milk. Lower the heat and cook gently, stirring often, until the rice becomes tender and absorbs most of the milk (about 45 minutes). The mixture should be creamy, not dry.
Step 3: Sweeten and Thicken
- Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Continue cooking on low heat for another 5 minutes, allowing the sweetness to infuse into the rice.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
- Slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs, stirring continuously to avoid scrambling. The eggs will thicken the mixture and give the dessert a silky, custard-like texture.
Step 5: Finish and Cool
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the sweet rice rest for a few minutes before serving warm, or transfer to a dish and refrigerate if you prefer it chilled.
Serving Suggestions
- Traditionally, Portuguese Sweet Rice is sprinkled with ground cinnamon in a decorative crosshatch or spiral pattern. This not only adds flavor but also symbolizes good fortune.
- Serve warm for ultimate comfort or chilled as a refreshing dessert.
- Pair with a strong espresso or Portuguese fortified wine (like Port) for an authentic cultural touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 296
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Protein: 10g
Tips and Variations
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a piece of lemon peel or a splash of vanilla extract to the milk while simmering for extra aroma.
- Regional Touch: Some Portuguese families add a hint of anise or a cinnamon stick during cooking for deeper flavor.
- Texture Preference: For a thicker version, cook longer until more milk is absorbed. For a looser, creamier texture, add an extra splash of warm milk before serving.
Portuguese Sweet Rice is more than just a dessert—it’s a culinary tradition passed down through generations. With its comforting flavors and cultural symbolism, this recipe is a beautiful way to bring a taste of Portugal into your kitchen.
