Creamy Arroz Con Leche that melts in your mouth!
Welcome to the delicious world of arroz con leche! If you have a sweet tooth, then this recipe is definitely for you. Arroz con leche is a traditional dish made with rice and milk, infused with cinnamon, sugar, and sometimes even a touch of lime zest. It is enjoyed in many Latin American countries and has become a popular dessert worldwide.
This dessert dates back centuries and has been influenced by different cultures, making it an authentic representation of the fusion of flavors that make up Latin American cuisine. Some countries have their own unique variations, such as Mexico’s arroz con leche made with condensed milk or Puerto Rico’s arroz con dulce made with coconut milk.
Creating this dessert is like taking a journey through the vibrant streets and bustling markets of these beautiful countries, where the aroma of ground cinnamon and the sweetness of sugar can be found in every street corner. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my version of this classic dessert that is sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to somewhere exotic.
All you need is 10 ingredients and your kitchen skills to make this timeless dish that’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s impressing guests at a dinner party or indulging in an intimate treat at home. So let’s get started on this culinary adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Arroz con Leche or Rice with Milk is a classic dessert that’s always been a family favorite. It’s one of those dishes that you just can’t help but love. It’s warm, it’s creamy, and it’s comforting. If you’ve never had this simple yet delicious dessert before, I’m here to tell you why you will fall in love with it.
This recipe is truly a masterpiece, a fusion of Spanish and Mexican flavors that will leave your taste buds feeling extraordinary. The aroma of cinnamon sticks mixed with the flavor of sweetened condensed milk makes this dish rich, flavorful and truly a delight.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With only 8 ingredients- Brown rice, skim milk, sugar, salt, cinnamon sticks, water, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk – prepping for this dish has never been easier.
Perhaps what sets this recipe apart from others is its versatility. It can be enjoyed both warm or cold and served as a healthy breakfast item, as a snack or even as an indulgent dessert after dinner.
Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just looking for a personal treat, Arroz con Leche will undoubtedly steal your heart. Its smooth velvety texture and heavenly taste are sure to comfort anyone during those longing evening hours.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try; I’m sure you won’t regret it! From the first spoonful to the last bite, you’ll realize why Arroz con Leche has become such an iconic dish that people from all corners of the world have come to appreciate.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this flavorful and satisfying Arroz con Leche recipe:
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 2 cups water
– 1 pinch salt
– 4 cups milk (whole or skim)
– 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
This authentic Arroz con Leche recipe combines simple and easy-to-find ingredients that strike a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and creaminess. Using long-grain white rice adds an incredible level of tenderness to every spoonful, while the combination of whole and skim milk creates a dreamy creamy consistency that will keep you coming back for seconds. If you prefer a vegan or dairy-free version of this dish, you may use rice milk or coconut milk instead. This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to your specific preferences.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Before cooking the rice, it is essential to wash it thoroughly. In a fine-mesh strainer, rinse 1 cup long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This process helps remove excess starch from the rice and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, bring to a boil 2 cups water with 2 cinnamon sticks and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender but still firm.
Step 3: Add Milk and Sweetness
Once the rice is ready, pour in 1½ cups whole milk, 1 can (14 ounce) sweetened condensed milk, and 1 can (12 ounce) evaporated milk. Add in 1 cinnamon stick and lime zest (optional) for an aromatic touch. Stir well until well combined.
Step 4: Cook Slowly
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil while frequently stirring. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until a thick creamy consistency forms, stirring constantly. This process can take between 25-35 minutes.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
Once done, remove the cinnamon stick and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
A note on using leftover rice: If you have already cooked rice on hand, you can skip Steps 1 and 2 above. Instead, follow Steps 3 to 5 while substituting cooked leftover rice for uncooked rice.
Enjoy this delicious dish with family and friends!
Substitutions and Variations
Arroz con Leche is a versatile dessert that can be customized according to your preference. If you don’t have some of the ingredients or want to add a twist to the recipe, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Milk: For a vegan version, substitute skim milk or whole milk with rice milk or coconut milk. You can also use evaporated milk instead of whole milk for a richer flavor.
– Rice: You can use different types of rice, such as brown rice, long-grain white rice, or arborio rice. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice you choose.
– Sweeteners: Instead of using sugar, you can sweeten the arroz con leche with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom.
– Condensed Milk: Sweetened condensed milk is a staple ingredient in traditional arroz con leche recipes, but you can substitute it with coconut condensed milk or almond condensed milk for a dairy-free alternative.
– Cinnamon: If you don’t have cinnamon sticks on hand, ground cinnamon will also work. You can also add a dash of lime zest to give your arroz con leche an extra kick.
– Leftover Rice: If you have leftover rice from last night’s dinner, why not turn it into arroz con leche? Simply mix the cooked rice with water and milk ingredients in a saucepan and follow the rest of the recipe instructions.
Arroz con leche is a classic dessert that is enjoyed by many cultures around the world. These substitutions and variations offer an opportunity to tailor your dish and enjoy this sweet treat in various ways.
Serving and Pairing
Arroz con Leche, originating from Mexico, is a delightful dessert that will warm your insides and fill you up with joy. This pudding-like dish made with rice mixed with water and milk and sweetened to perfection showcases flavors of cinnamon, lime zest, and sugar. Arroz con Leche is typically served in small bowls or cups, making it feel like a personal indulgence.
You can enjoy Arroz con Leche on its own or pair it with seasonal fruits such as berries for added sweetness and texture. The fresh fruits’ acidity contrasts perfectly with the creamy rice and milk mixture; they make an excellent addition to the warm dessert’s texture profile.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving Arroz con Leche paired with a fruity prosecco or sparkling wine. These light, bubbly beverages create an excellent contrast to the creamy, warm pudding, providing complex flavors.
For a dairy-free diet, swap out dairy milk with almond or coconut milk in the recipe. You’ll end up with a vegan arroz con leche that you can serve as is or topped off with coconut shavings or fresh pineapple chunks.
Whether you prefer your Arroz con Leche traditional or with a twist, this dessert pairs well with many dishes. It is well known as one of Puerto Rico’s national dishes and is typically served at special events such as birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings, making it an ideal choice for celebrations or special occasions.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Arroz con leche is a perfect dessert to make ahead of time for special events, as it can easily be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. If you plan on making it in advance, be sure to allow it to cool completely before storing it away in an airtight container. This will prevent any condensation from forming and ensure that the rice pudding stays fresh and creamy.
To reheat the arroz con leche, place it into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it gently in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or water to the mixture if it thickens too much during storage. Alternatively, you can reheat the rice pudding on the stove. Simply add a little bit of milk to thin out the consistency and bring it back to life.
If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional milk, try making this recipe with coconut milk or even almond milk, which add a unique nutty flavor to this classic dish. You can also add additional spices, such as nutmeg or vanilla extract, for added depth of flavor.
Remember, when reheating arroz con leche it should always be fully cooked and piping hot all the way through, so pay attention when using microwave ovens; the rice should not still be hard after reheating. So why not make a larger batch than you need and save yourself some time for your next busy day? This authentic and flavorful dessert can brighten up any occasion and satisfy your sweet tooth cravings whenever they arise.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have learned how to make a delicious bowl of Arroz con Leche, let me share some tips to ensure your success in making this dessert.
1. Cook the Rice Perfectly: The quality of the rice makes a big difference in the final outcome of any rice pudding recipe. Be sure to cook the long-grain white or brown rice properly before adding it to the milk mixture. Also, don’t overcook it because you want your rice to stay intact, not mushy.
2. Use Whole Milk: Whole milk contains more fat which gives it a creamy texture and a richer taste. Avoid using skim milk or rice milk since they are low in fat, and using them will produce runny or thin pudding.
3. Add Spices Carefully: Adding too much cinnamon can mask the delicate flavor of sweetened condensed milk used in arroz con leche, so add a pinch of ground cinnamon sparingly for a subtle flavor. Alternatively, you can add lime zest which will enhance the overall taste of your arroz con leche.
4. Sweeten carefully: The recipe calls for sugar and sweetened condensed milk, which adds sweetness to the dessert. However, it is essential to add sugar gradually and taste frequently until you reach the desired sweetness level without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the spices and dairy.
5. Let It Cool Down Completely before Serving: As much as you may want to dive into your freshly made arroz con leche dish immediately after preparing it, we strongly advise against it. As with many desserts, this dish is best served when it’s cooled down completely, so be patient until it reaches room temperature or chilled if you prefer yours cold.
By following these simple tips, your Arroz con Leche dessert will turn out perfectly every time. Remember, cooking is an art that requires patience and attention to detail, so take your time, enjoy the process and enjoy every spoonful of this creamy, sweet, and delicately spiced dessert.
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be questions that arise when creating your own version of arroz con leche. To make sure that your experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and provided answers so that you can confidently prepare this delicious dessert without any doubts or hesitations. Let’s dive in!
Can you cook rice with milk instead of water?
To start, grab a large saucepan and add rice, salt, and 1 cup of milk. Put it on high heat and stir frequently until it reaches boiling point. Lower the heat to medium and let it cook. As the rice absorbs the milk, pour in another 1/2 cup of milk at a time until it’s fully cooked and tender. Keep stirring occasionally for an even cook.
What is a dish made from rice mixed with water or milk?
A delightful dish known as rice pudding is created using rice cooked in water or milk with a blend of delectable ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla, and raisins. It can be enjoyed both as a sweet dessert or a hearty dinner. In case of a sweet serving, it is typical to add sugar or any other sweetener to enhance the taste.
Why is my arroz con leche still hard?
According to my observations, Arroz con Leche has a shelf life of approximately 4 days if properly stored in the refrigerator. In the event that the rice is not fully cooked and is still hard once all the liquid has been absorbed, I advise adding ¼ cup of milk and ¼ cup of water to the mixture and cooking with the lid on until it reaches a simmer. Additionally, as a friendly reminder, this rice pudding recipe is on the sweeter side of the dessert spectrum, so feel free to reduce the amount of sugar used to your personal preference.
What is the difference between horchata and arroz con leche?
Arroz con leche is a dessert made in the Spanish tradition of rice pudding. Milk and rice are combined with sweeteners and other flavorings to create a thick and satisfying dish. Horchata is a similar beverage made with milk, sugar, and rice, but the rice is first soaked and then strained to create a chilled treat.
Bottom Line
:
In conclusion, arroz con leche is a timeless classic that is sure to please anyone’s palate. This authentic and delicious Mexican rice pudding is a dish that is easy to make and versatile enough to serve as a dessert or breakfast.
Arroz con leche is a perfect example of how simplicity can create an outstanding dish. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up an irresistible dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
What makes arroz con leche so special is that it is more than just a recipe – it is a cultural treasure. The dish has been passed down for generations and has become an integral part of Latin American cuisine. It’s hard not to feel nostalgic when enjoying a bowl of this dessert, as each bite represents the love and tradition of the region.
Whether you prefer the traditional recipe or you like to experiment with different variations, one thing is for certain – arroz con leche will always hold a special place in our hearts.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed by its creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and exotic aroma. Arroz con leche is the perfect comfort food any time of year, so grab a spoon and dig in!
Arroz Con Leche (Rice With Milk) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 cups skim milk
- ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 2/3 cup of the rice and begin cooking.
- Grind in the blender 1/3 cup rice until it is broken and powdery and add to the rice you are cooking and continue to cook for 15 minutes.
- Then, add the cinnamon stick, sugar, and salt.
- Stir well and cook for 10 minutes more on low heat, covered,.
- Add the milk and cook on low heat uncovered, stirring frequently until the rice is cooked. It should be a little thick(sort of like pudding).
- Serve warm (or cold) in mugs with a little ground cinnamon sprinkled on each serving. You can accompany this with a cookie.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
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.