| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 305 | 6g | 3g | 56g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 1g | 7g | 0.05g |
Why I Love Swedish Rice Porridge with Cinnamon and Sugar
If you’re wondering why a Southern belle with West African roots has anything to do with a Swedish recipe, let me tell you about Rice Porridge with Cinnamon and Sugar. This classic Swedish comfort food is a warm, sweet delight that holds a special place on my dining table. While I love a good jollof rice or a hearty bowl of gumbo any day, this recipe tugs at my heartstrings for different reasons.
A Swede Surprise
What draws me to this recipe is the universal language of comfort and community it speaks. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the deeply satisfying result one gets upon combining them in the right way – much like a Nordic version of rice pudding. While it might not be a direct import from my culinary heritage, it resonates with my love for creating dishes that nourish the body and soul.
I discovered this recipe on an adventure through Nordic cuisine in my quest to expand my culinary horizons. No, there wasn’t a specific Swedish chef who inspired me – though I indeed hold in high regard the likes of Magnus Nilsson and Marcus Samuelsson. Instead, it was the simple joy of discovering a dish that reminded me of the creamy rice dishes we had back home in Atlanta, yet with a uniquely European twist.
Perfect Pairings
Rice Porridge with Cinnamon and Sugar is wonderful as a standalone dish, but it also pairs nicely with various fruits, nuts, and berries. Top it with some fresh blueberries or raspberries, add a spoonful of homemade apple compote, or a handful of toasted walnuts, and you’ve got an even more decadent treat. It’s a truly versatile dish, capable of adopting the flavors of almost any season.
Even better, this porridge aligns beautifully with dishes from my Afro-Southern repertoire. Serve it alongside a hearty West African stew or a Southern platter of savory collard greens, and you’ve got a meal that marries sweet and savory in the most delightful way.
Whether you’re a seasoned culinary expert or a novice in the kitchen, this Swedish Rice Porridge is sure to be a delicious addition to your recipe repertoire.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups of short grain white rice
- 3 cups of water
- A pinch of salt
- 4 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoons of butter (optional)
Method
Step One
Measure out 1 1/2 cups of short grain white rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This is to remove any excess starch.
Step Two
Put the rice in a large saucepan. Add 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for around 10-15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed by the rice. It’s important to keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.
Step Three
After the water has been fully absorbed by the rice, add 4 cups of whole milk to the pan. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat, uncovered. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan and to ensure it cooks evenly. This should take about 15 minutes.
Step Four
When the rice has absorbed most of the milk and has a creamy consistency, add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix well to ensure the sugar dissolves into the mixture. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Keep in mind you can adjust the quantity of sugar and cinnamon based on your taste preference.
Step Five
Simmer the porridge for another 5-10 minutes on low heat, or until it reaches your desired thickness. If you would like to add a richer flavor, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of butter at this step. This is optional and can be skipped if you are watching your dairy intake.
Step Six
Once the porridge is ready, take it off the heat. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. For best results, serve the porridge warm. Enjoy your Rice Porridge with Cinnamon and Sugar!
