Arroz Doce (Creamy Portuguese Rice Pudding)

Ingredients

• Carolino rice (essential for creaminess)
• Milk
• Water
• Lemon peel
• 1 cinnamon stick
• A pinch of salt
• Sugar, to taste (white, brown or golden)
• Egg yolks
• Ground cinnamon (to decorate)

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Instructions

1. Infuse the liquid: in a pot, add the milk, water, lemon peel and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil.
2. Cook the rice: as soon as it boils, add the Carolino rice and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly while it cooks so the rice releases its starch and thickens the liquid.
3. Sweeten: when the rice has reduced and the liquid is thick, stir in the sugar of your choice. Let it boil for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Temper the yolks: put the egg yolks in a bowl. To keep them from cooking and turning into scrambled eggs, spoon some of the hot rice over the yolks and mix well. This evens out the temperatures.
5. Emulsify: pour the tempered yolks back into the pot and mix everything very well. They give the pudding an unbeatable velvety texture.
6. Plate and cool: transfer the rice pudding to a shallow dish (this lets it cool in just half an hour). Finish with ground cinnamon to taste.

Tip

• Choosing the rice: Carolino rice is not optional if you want perfection. Its high-starch grain is what creates that rich, extra-creamy texture.
• The secret of the yolks: tempering the yolks before adding them to the hot pot is the most technical and important step, and it guarantees a smooth, lump-free cream.
• Getting the creaminess right: if the rice looks too runny when you turn off the heat, do not worry! Trust the process: as it cools in the shallow dish, it firms up to the perfect consistency.
• Where to Find the Ingredients
• You will find authentic Carolino rice, cinnamon sticks and all the ingredients for this recipe on the Seabra Foods website, through our delivery partners or at one of our 18 stores.
• A Portuguese Tradition
• Whether for Easter, Christmas or to sweeten any time of year, creamy arroz doce with egg yolks is the dessert that completes the table and warms Portuguese hearts. Enjoy!