Delicious and Nutritious Arroz Con Leche Recipe
Hey there, fellow foodies! Today, I am excited to share with you my all-time favorite recipe – Arroz Con Leche. For those not familiar with this dish, it’s a mouthwatering Mexican rice pudding made with long-grain white rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon sticks. The best part? This dessert is easy to make and requires just a handful of affordable ingredients.
I have been cooking authentic Arroz Con Leche for years now, but it wasn’t until recently that I perfected the recipe using a combination of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk, which gives the pudding a luscious creaminess that is out of this world.
Whether as an after-dinner dessert or for a special gathering, Arroz Con Leche will satisfy even the most demanding palates. With its warm and comforting flavor and rich texture, this dessert has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries.
So, if you are looking for a sweet treat that will transport your tastebuds straight to Mexico – look no further than this delicious Arroz Con Leche recipe. Trust me; you’ll want to make this over and over again once you try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Buckle up, because I’m about to tell you why you’ll fall head over heels for this authentic Arroz Con Leche recipe. This is not your average rice pudding – made with a combination of long- and short-grain white rice and three different types of milk: whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Just the mention of those ingredients is enough to make my mouth water!
What sets this recipe apart from other rice pudding recipes is the addition of cinnamon sticks, raisins, and vanilla extract that give it a depth of flavor like no other. The cinnamon sticks infuse the dish with their warm, spicy goodness while the plump raisins add a pop of sweetness in every bite. And let me not forget the fragrant aroma of the vanilla extract that will leave your kitchen smelling divine.
But what truly sets Arroz Con Leche apart from other desserts is its versatility. You can enjoy it warm or cold, served as a dessert or even breakfast! Because who said you can’t enjoy something sweet to kick off your day? This recipe has been passed down for generations in Latin American households, making its authenticity a true crowd-pleaser.
And let’s talk about the ease of making this perfect Arroz Con Leche! With only 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a dessert that everyone will love. Plus, you don’t need any fancy ingredients or kitchen equipment – just a pot and some stove-top heat.
So go ahead and try out this authentic Arroz Con Leche recipe. From dinner parties to family gatherings or even just as a cozy night in with a bowl all to yourself – this recipe is bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Trust me when I say that once you try this dish out for yourself, there will be no going back to your regular rice pudding recipes.
Ingredient List
Before we begin, let’s go over the ingredient list to make sure you have everything on hand. This recipe calls for the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of long grain white rice
- 4 cups of water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 12-ounce can of evaporated milk
- 2 cups of whole milk
- ½ cup of raisins (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
These basic ingredients are key to achieving a creamy, sweet and spicy Arroz Con Leche. You may also use short-grain rice or basmati rice if you prefer. Additionally, you may replace the whole milk for coconut milk if you want a vegan version.
The Recipe How-To
To make the perfect Arroz con leche recipe, gather all of the ingredients from the ingredient list.
Step 1: Cook Rice
Start by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice until the water runs clear. Then, combine 4 cups of water, 2 cinnamon sticks, and the rinsed rice in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook for around 18-20 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 2: Add Milks
Add in 1 can (14 fluid ounces) of sweetened condensed milk, 1 can (12 fluid ounces) of evaporated milk, and 2 cups of whole milk. Stir them together and let this cook on low heat as it slowly simmers away.
Step 3: Cinnamon Flavoring
Add in two more cinnamon sticks and a splash of vanilla to enhance all the flavors in your Arroz con leche. Make sure to stir this often, so that everything is well mixed.
Step 4: Add Raisins
Once you’ve got all those flavors blending nicely, add in some sweetness with half a cup of plump, juicy raisins. You will love how flavorful they are when combined with this dish.
Step 4: Texture Check
The rice should be soft and tender now but not falling apart. If it’s still hard, add some extra milk or water (about a half cup at a time) and let it simmer for another few minutes until it reaches perfect consistency. Remember to remove the cinnamon sticks before serving.
Step 5: Refrigerate
Let your Arroz con leche cool down once it’s ready. I recommend refrigerating this amazing dessert for at least 3-4 hours so that everything can chill down and settle nicely.
Step 6: Serve
After it has chilled, give it a good stir and serve your authentic Arroz con leche Mexican rice pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Enjoy your creamy and delicious vegan Arroz con Leche!
Follow these steps to make perfect Arroz con Dulce typically had in Colombian, Cuban or Peruvian households!
Substitutions and Variations
I’m all about experimenting with different flavors and variations in my recipes. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, here are some substitutions and variations to try with this Arroz con Leche recipe.
1. Coconut Rice Pudding – Replace the evaporated milk and cinnamon sticks with coconut milk and add shredded coconut flakes for a tropical twist to your Arroz con Leche.
2. Vegan Arroz con Leche – Substitute whole milk, sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk with coconut milk, almond milk and condensed coconut milk respectively for a vegan version of the dish.
3. Colombian Arroz con Dulce – Add local flavors such as cloves, ginger or nutmeg to make it more authentic to this classic Colombian recipe. You can also add some raisins or other dried fruits for a sweet surprise.
4. Cuban-style Arroz con Leche – Swap out the sweetened condensed milk with sugar in your recipe and mix it in until it dissolves creating a much lighter and tangier flavor.
5. Peruvian Cinnamon Arroz con Leche – Use short grain rice instead of long grain rice and replace half the water with heavy cream to create a creamy consistency reminiscent of this traditional Peruvian pudding.
Don’t be afraid to are[ty new ingredients from time to time! I always say there’s no better way to learn than by trying something new, so give these substitutions and variations a shot, and see which adds your own special touch to your favorite authentic arroz con leche recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Arroz con Leche is a delicious and comforting dessert that can be enjoyed any time of day. It’s a classic dish in Latin America and there are many ways to serve and enjoy it.
When it comes to serving, you can enjoy Arroz con Leche warm or chilled, depending on your preference. I personally prefer it chilled because it’s refreshing and perfect for hot summer days. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top or a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
In terms of pairing, Arroz con Leche pairs well with a variety of beverages such as hot cocoa, coffee or tea. It’s also delicious when paired with fruit like sliced bananas, berries or even diced pineapples.
If you want to add more flavor and texture to your Arroz con Leche, you can also add some crunchy toppings such as chopped nuts like almonds, pecans or walnuts or crispy toasted coconut flakes.
In conclusion, Arroz con Leche is a versatile dessert that can be served in many ways and paired with different beverages and toppings. Be creative with it and enjoy this authentic Latin American dessert to the fullest!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you are planning to make Arroz Con Leche ahead of time, it can be easily prepared and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Make sure to allow the pudding to cool down completely before storing it in an airtight container or plastic wrap. You can reheat the pudding on medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently until heated through.
To retain the consistency and texture of the pudding, try not to overheat it, as doing so may cause it to become dry or grainy. When reheating, you can add a splash of milk while stirring to help make it smoother and creamier.
You could also freeze Arroz Con Leche in an airtight container for up to 2 months. However, when reheating from frozen, allow the pudding to thaw to room temperature before heating it up on medium heat on the stove.
When serving leftovers of this amazing dessert, sprinkle some cinnamon powder or raisins over the top for added flavor and presentation. The combination of aromas will spark your taste buds and is perfect for enjoying with your family and friends any time of day!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make perfect Arroz con Leche, here are some tips that I’ve found helpful.
1. Use Long Grain White Rice
For authentic Arroz con Leche, use long grain white rice. Other types of rice can alter the flavor and consistency of your pudding.
2. Cook at Medium High Heat
Cook your Arroz con Leche over medium-high heat. This will help you achieve the perfect consistency without overcooking the rice.
3. Soak Your Rice
This is my favorite tip! Soak the rice for a couple of hours before cooking it. This helps to soften it and reduce the cooking time in half.
4. Use Sweetened Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk
The combination of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk is what makes Arroz con Leche so rich and creamy. Don’t substitute one for the other!
5. Add Vanilla
Don’t forget to add a touch of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
6. Precook Raisins
Precook raisins with cinnamon sticks in water before adding them to your Arroz con Leche in this way they’ll be softer and won’t absorb too much liquid and still hard to chew.
7. Constantly Stirring While Cooking
Keep stirring while cooking, especially towards the end when adding fresh dairy products so don’t allow them to stick or burn, keep them moving until your desired consistency is achieved
8. Sweeten Judiciously
Sweeten your Arroz con Leche incrementally as needed as you may not need to add additional sugar because of the sweetened condensed milk already included in this recipe
With these tips, you can make perfect Arroz con Leche every time, just try them out!
FAQ
Before we wrap up this arroz con leche recipe article, let’s go over some frequently asked questions so we can make sure you have all the information you need to make this perfect dessert. In this section, I’ll answer some common questions that may come up as you prepare and serve arroz con leche. From ingredient substitutions to storing and reheating tips, I’ll give you my best answers to help you achieve optimal results with this delicious recipe. So let’s dive in!
Why is my arroz con leche still hard?
To extend the shelf life of Arroz con Leche, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you find that your rice has not yet cooked completely even after all the liquid has been absorbed, add a quarter cup of milk and water and put the lid back on to return it to a simmer. It is important to note that this recipe is on the sweeter side, but you can adjust the sugar content to your preference.
Are you supposed to eat arroz con leche cold?
If you’re in the mood for a sweet and easy-to-prepare treat, look no further than Arroz con Leche. This classic Mexican dessert requires just six ingredients and can be enjoyed either cold or hot. Perfect for satisfying any craving.
What is arroz con leche made of in Spain?
Arroz con leche, a delicious dessert originating from Spain, has been enjoyed for centuries with minor variations depending on the region. The essential ingredients for this sweet treat are rice, milk, sugar, and citrus peel.
What is the difference between horchata and arroz con leche?
There’s a Spanish dessert known as arroz con leche which is essentially a sweetened and cooked combination of milk and rice. It’s a dense and flavorful dish that’s similar to rice pudding. Likewise, horchata also features milk, sugar and rice in its preparation, but instead of being cooked, the rice is soaked and strained, producing a refreshing chilled drink.
What’s the difference between arroz con dulce and arroz con leche?
When it comes to rice-based desserts, it can be easy to mix up arroz con dulce and arroz con leche. However, these two dishes have some key differences that set them apart. Firstly, arroz con dulce is usually prepared using short-grain rice, while arroz con leche is made with long-grain rice. Additionally, the flavor profiles of the two dishes differ, with arroz con dulce featuring coconut and spices, and arroz con leche being sweetened with milk and sugar.
Bottom Line
your culinary experience with a sweet and creamy dessert that highlights the flavors and ingredients of both Brazil and Mexico. Arroz con Leche, or Rice Pudding, is a beloved dish that always brings comfort and delight to those who savor it.
With this Ideal Recipe, you can make perfect Arroz con Leche every time, whether you follow the traditional Mexican recipe or add your own unique twist. Use long grain white rice for its sturdiness and toothsome texture, and combine it with cinnamon sticks, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, whole milk, raisins and vanilla for a heavenly blend of aromas.
Taste the authentic flavors of Mexico while still enjoying classic Brazilian ingredients by using this Ideal Recipe as a starting point. You can even try some substitutions and variations to suit your personal preferences, such as adding coconut milk instead of whole milk or using short grain rice instead of long grain.
Arroz con Leche is the perfect dessert to share with your loved ones on any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone, hosting a dinner party or just cozying up on the couch after a long day, this beloved dish will bring joy and comfort to your palate.
So go ahead and capture the essence of both Brazil and Mexico in one delicious treat – try this Ideal Recipe for Arroz con Leche today!
Arroz Con Leche Ideal Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 (14 ounce) cans evaporated milk
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (La Lechera brand)
- 1/2 cup raisins (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla (optional)
Instructions
- Place rice, cinammon sticks and water in a pan and cook for 30 minutes at medium heat or until rice is soft.
- Add evaporated milk and condensed milk, mix to combine and continue simmering for ten minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add raisins (and vanilla, if using), stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes more then remove from heat.
- Remove cinammon sticks, scoop into a serving dish or individual ramekins and let cool.
- Sprinkle with ground cinammon before serving.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.