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Advent begins November 29

The Kitchen

Swedish rice porridge

Risgrynsgröt: slow, creamy, with cinnamon sugar on top.

A Swedish Christmas morning dish. Families often hide one whole almond in the pot, and whoever finds it in their bowl gets a small prize.

Easy. Hands on for about 20 minutes. About 65 minutes start to finish. Makes 4 big bowls.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup short-grain rice, pudding rice or arborio
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp butter

To serve

  • 2 tbsp sugar, for the top
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Steps

  1. Put the rice, water and salt in a heavy pot that holds at least 3 quarts (3 L). Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat to low and cover.
  2. Let it simmer until the water is soaked up.
  3. Pour in the milk and stir. Bring it back to a gentle bubble.
  4. Cook on low with the lid off. Stir every few minutes so the bottom does not stick. It is ready when it is thick and creamy.
  5. Stir in the butter. Taste it, and add a pinch more salt if it needs it.
  6. Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Ladle the porridge into bowls and sprinkle on the cinnamon sugar.

Cold milk poured around the edge of the bowl is how many Swedish families eat it.

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