Rice Pudding (São Tomé and Príncipe Arroz Doce)

Arroz doce is one of the most popular desserts of São Tomé and Príncipe. It is prepared with coconut milk and flavoured with lemon and cinnamon.

5 cups coconut milk
1 large lemon, freshly zested
1 cup sugar
1 stick cinnamon
1¼ cup white rice
1 pinch salt

Garnish:
ground cinnamon

Cook the rice with a pinch of salt, the cinnamon stick and half the lemon zest, according to the instructions printed on the package.

Once the rice is cooked, add the coconut milk, sugar and remaining lemon zest.

Bring to a boil and boil over low heat until creamy, gently stirring regularly, about 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and serve in bowls. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Serve hot, warm or cold.