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Recipe

Finnish-Inspired Christmas Cinnamon Rice Porridge

A gently simmered rice porridge with milk, cinnamon and vanilla makes a cozy Christmas breakfast. Finish with a little brown sugar and serve warm.

Finnish-Inspired Christmas Cinnamon Rice Porridge
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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup (150 g) short-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, plus up to 1/2 cup (120 ml) to loosen
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon (12 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for serving
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) light brown sugar, for serving

Instructions

  1. Put the rinsed rice and water in a heavy 2- to 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring once to separate the grains.
  2. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, until most of the water is absorbed. Keep a little moisture in the pan; do not let the rice fry dry.
  3. Add the 3 cups of milk, butter, granulated sugar and salt. Stir along the base of the pan, then bring just to a gentle simmer.
  4. Turn the heat to low. Cook uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom every few minutes. Lower the heat further if the milk bubbles vigorously.
  5. Taste a grain: it should be soft through the center, without a chalky bite. If still firm, add a splash of milk and continue cooking for 5-minute intervals.
  6. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Rest for 5 minutes; the porridge will thicken. Add some of the optional warm milk until creamy and spoonable.
  7. Divide into four bowls. Mix the cinnamon with the brown sugar and sprinkle evenly over the portions. Serve warm rather than piping hot.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow containers, within 2 hours. Use within 3 days and reheat with milk to 165°F (74°C), stirring so the center heats evenly.

This Finnish-inspired rice porridge brings a quiet, comforting start to Christmas morning. Short-grain rice releases starch as it cooks, creating a creamy texture without cream or complicated equipment. Cinnamon is added at the table so every bowl can be finished to taste.

Use a heavy saucepan and gentle heat: milk scorches more easily than water. The porridge should flow slowly from the spoon, not stand in a solid mound. A splash of warm milk loosens it as it rests. This version omits the hidden almond sometimes associated with holiday porridge.

Texture and substitutions

Arborio rice works well; long-grain rice gives a looser, less creamy result. A plant drink changes flavor, thickening and nutrition, so add it gradually and check for allergens.

Make-ahead serving

The porridge thickens considerably overnight. Warm only the portions needed and stir in milk a spoonful at a time. Do not leave cooked rice standing at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make it less sweet?

Yes. Omit the tablespoon of granulated sugar and offer the cinnamon sugar separately. Nutrition will change.

Do I need to soak the rice?

No. This recipe uses rinsed, unsoaked short-grain rice.

Nutrition notes

Nutrition values are approximate editorial estimates per serving, not laboratory measurements or a verified nutritional analysis. Actual values vary with brands, portion size and substitutions. These original recipe drafts have not been kitchen-tested; cooking times are guides.

Estimate includes all topping sugar and the initial 3 cups of whole milk, but excludes optional loosening milk.

Allergen information: Milk. Check all ingredient labels and individual dietary needs.

Per serving

Nutrition facts

Serving size: One quarter of the finished porridge, with cinnamon sugar (estimated nutrition)

Calories
315
Total fat
9 g
Saturated fat
5 g
Cholesterol
25 mg
Sodium
220 mg
Total carbohydrate
50 g
Dietary fiber
1 g
Total sugars
21 g
Protein
8 g

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