Norwegian Risgrøt Rice Porridge

This Norwegian porridge recipe, known as “risgrøt,” is a creamy and cardamom-flavored dish traditionally enjoyed on Christmas Eve. It’s easy to make with common ingredients, making it a comforting addition to holiday meals. We appreciate its simplicity amidst the festive season, and it has become a cherished part of our own Christmas traditions. The process of making risgrøt, with its simple steps like stirring rice and adding spices, has become a special and meaningful ritual for us.

Enjoy a Simple Nordic Christmas Tradition.

We discovered this Scandinavian Christmas custom through Holly’s husband, who has Norwegian roots. That’s why we named our Christmas rice pudding recipe “risgrøt” to honor that connection. However, various Scandinavian countries have their own versions of this festive rice porridge.

In Denmark, it’s called “risalamande,” meaning ‘rice with almonds.’ In Sweden, it’s known as “julegrot” or “risgrynsgröt,” and it’s left out on Christmas Eve with cookies for Santa. This is meant to treat any visiting tomte (gnome-like creatures). Many Scandinavian rice porridge recipes include hiding a single almond, and finding it in your bowl is believed to bring good luck in the upcoming year.

Simple Norwegian Rice Pudding Recipe with Basic Ingredients.

You don’t need fancy stuff to make a festive treat. This rice pudding recipe is like the calm beauty of fresh snow. Here’s what you need:

• Long grain white rice
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cardamom (ground or grind it yourself for a strong flavor)
• Whole milk
• Unsalted butter
• Cinnamon

Make Festive Porridge

Is it the hot and creamy snowy-white rice? Or the cozy aroma of cardamom and vanilla? Maybe it’s the colorful berries on our Norwegian rice pudding. Stirring up a pot of risgrøt signals that Christmas is here. Here’s how to make it easily:

1. Boil the rice in water for ten minutes to partly cook it.
2. Add cardamom, vanilla, and sugar for flavor.
3. Stir continuously and slowly pour in milk, letting the rice absorb it.
4. Keep stirring for about 40 minutes. Play some Christmas music and make it fun!
5. When the rice porridge is creamy and absorbed all the milk, it’s ready! Serve in bowls with cinnamon, a bit of butter, and optional berries. Enjoy!

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