Sweet Rice Porridge

Name: Sweet Rice Porridge (Sweet Congee) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Norwegian
Ingredients: 1 cup (200 grams) jasmine rice, rinsed; 2 cups (500 ml) water; 4-6 cups (1-1.5 liters) coconut milk beverage (found in a carton, not canned); 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; kosher salt to taste; Butter and cinnamon; Toasted pecans, coconut flakes and pomegranate arils

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This Sweet Rice Porridge recipe is based on the traditional Norwegian porridge risgrøt. It’s often served around the holidays with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon!

My version of this heartwarming sweet congee calls for coconut milk and additional toppings for a bit of extra flavor and crunch.

For more sweet porridge ideas, make sure to check out our Pearl Barley Kasha.

close up of pomegranate topping on rice porridge

Key ingredients

Jasmine rice: I love fragrant jasmine rice for sweet congee, but any type of rice will work. You’ll just need to adjust the cook time and liquid accordingly.
Coconut milk beverage: Here we’re looking for the coconut milk found in cartons, not canned coconut milk.
Sugar: I use about 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, but this can be adjusted to taste.

Fun fact: Norwegian risgrøt is often served around Christmas time where a single almond is hidden in the porridge. Whoever finds the almond wins a little pig made of marzipan. Since I absolutely love marzipan, I think this is a tradition I can get behind!

Make ahead and storage

Leftover sweet congee can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you’re feeling extra organized, you can portion it out into smaller containers for easy reheating!

When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sweet rice porridge on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of coconut beverage or water to help it retain its creamy texture. Top it with butter and your favorite toppings, and you’re all set!

FAQs

What rice should I use?

I used jasmine rice to make this sweet rice porridge, but I’ve also seen it made with most types of white rice from short-grain to long-grain so feel free to experiment with whatever rice you’ve got on hand. Adjust the cook time and amount of liquid accordingly. The porridge is ready when the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy.

What toppings go well with sweet rice porridge?

I always start with a pat of butter, fruit and something crunchy. For the fruit, pomegranate arils and berries are my favorite options. And for the crunch, toasted nuts and coconut flakes make excellent mix-ins. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.

Should I rinse the rice first?

Yes, make sure to rinse the rice before making this sweet congee recipe. Rinsing removes excess starch and helps the rice to better absorb the liquid.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, in place of granulated sugar, you can use brown sugar, maple syrup or honey. Adjust to your preferred sweetness.