Vegan Portuguese Sweet Rice - Easy Arroz Doce

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1. 1Step 1: Add the rice, water and salt to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil then turn the heat down to low and simmer with the lid on for 10 minutes.
2. 2Step 2: Remove the lid and stir in vegan butter. Then, slowly add the milk 1/2 cup at a time and stir until evenly combined. Stir in the lemon zest (alternatively, use long strips of lemon peel and remove them at the end of the cooking time).
3. 3Step 3: Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture back up to just before it boils. Then lower the heat again and simmer with the lid on for another 5 minutes.
4. 4Step 4: After 5 minutes, stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. Put the lid back on and simmer for another 2-5 minutes to get the rice really tender. Carefully taste the rice and double check that it is soft.
5. 5Step 5: Keep the rice over low heat and prepare the slurry. Whisk the starch and a pinch of turmeric in a small dish. Then add 2 tbsp soy milk and whisk until it makes a smooth slurry with no starch visible and no clumps.
6. 6Step 6: Slowly add the slurry to the rice, a little at a time, while you quickly stir with your other hand. This will ensure that it's evenly incorporated and won't clump. Arrowroot starch can activate at a lower temperature but cornstarch needs to be brought up to a boil and then reduced to a simmer in order to activate.
7. 7Step 7: Stirring constantly, bring the rice back up to a boil then reduce to a simmer and allow to thicken for 2-3 minutes. The rice is thick enough when it doesn't immediately slide off the spoon. Instead, it should stick to the spoon for a moment before dropping off. If you can still taste the starch, cook for another minute or so to reduce that starch flavour.
8. 8Step 8: Immediately spread the rice about 1 1/2 inch thick on serving plates or in shallow bowls (you can serve it in individual pudding cups if preferred). You can enjoy it right away but it is traditionally served chilled. Set it to fully cool on the counter for about 1 hour.
9. 9Step 9: Once cool, decorate your rice by making a criss cross pattern with the cinnamon. Pinch the cinnamon between two fingers and sprinkle it on the rice. (The cinnamon may melt into the rice if added when the rice is warm). Slice or scoop portions from the serving plate to serve!
10. 10Step 10: Store in the fridge and serve cold or reheat if desired. Lasts 3-4 days in the fridge.