But the Portuguese version is different and, in fact, if you translate it into English it actually means "sweet rice.". What makes it different is that Arroz Doce is made from a short-grain rice (such as arborio rice) that is cooked slowly, is creamier than the diner version, and is flavored with lemon peel.
Although arroz doce can be directly translated as sweet rice. It’s better known as rice pudding for our English speakers, and milchreis for the German speakers. Essentially though, it’s a bowl of sweet and creamy rice made with sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and lemon peel. It’s no surprise that it’s a long-time family favourite in Portugal.
This Portuguese rice pudding is made from arborio rice, which is an Italian short-grain rice that you might also use for risotto. Arborio rice grains have quite a rounded shape, which holds together well during cooking.
Start by combining 1 cup arborio rice with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Since we want the starch to thicken this pudding you don’t need to rinse your rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and simmer with the lid on for 10 minutes.