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Rice Porridge (Risgrynsgröt)

A luxuriously creamy Scandinavian rice porridge slowly simmered in whole milk until perfectly smooth. Delicately flavored with vanilla and served warm with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, this timeless comfort dish is ideal for cozy mornings, festive gatherings, or a peaceful evening dessert. In many Scandinavian traditions, a single almond is hidden in the pot, symbolizing quiet fortune and hopeful anticipation.
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine Scandinavian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 290kcal

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup Arborio rice or other short-grain white rice
  • cups water
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 –3 tablespoons granulated sugar or to taste
  • 1 cinnamon stick optional
  • 1 whole blanched almond optional, for tradition
  • Cinnamon Sugar Topping
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  • Bring the water and salt to a boil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  • Stir in the rice and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until most of the water has been absorbed.
  • Pour in the milk and add the cinnamon stick, if using.
  • Reduce the heat to low and cook gently for 40–45 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and the porridge is thick and velvety.
  • Remove the cinnamon stick and stir in the vanilla extract and sugar.
  • If desired, hide a single blanched almond in the porridge before serving.
  • Spoon into warm bowls and top each serving with a pat of butter and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Notes

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: Approximately 1¼ cups (300 g)
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Nutrient Amount Per Serving
Calories 290
Total Fat 10 g
Saturated Fat 6 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 35 mg
Sodium 170 mg
Total Carbohydrates 40 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Total Sugars 18 g
Includes Added Sugars 5 g
Protein 10 g
Vitamin D 2 mcg (10% DV)
Calcium 300 mg (25% DV)
Iron 0.4 mg (2% DV)
Potassium 430 mg (10% DV)

Notes

  • These values are estimates and will vary depending on:
    • The exact brand of milk.
    • The amount of sugar used (2–3 tablespoons).
    • Whether toppings such as additional butter, cinnamon sugar, honey, berries, or cream are added.
    • The exact serving size.