Delicious Arroz Con Leche Recipe – Taste of Heaven!
Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you looking for a mouthwatering dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than Chacha’s Arroz Con Leche, a traditional Cuban rice pudding recipe that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds.
When I first tried arroz con leche, I was immediately hooked on its creamy texture and delicious blend of flavors. This recipe has been passed down through generations and perfected by my dear friend Chacha, who is a master in the kitchen. And today, I’m excited to share her recipe with you.
This dessert is the perfect way to end a meal or treat yourself on a lazy afternoon. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to make and will be ready in no time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to make substitutions or variations that suit your taste buds.
So if you’re ready to try your hand at an unforgettable Latin American classic, let’s get started on making Chacha’s Arroz Con Leche!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hey there foodies, I’m here to convince you why this recipe is unlike any other you’ve tried before. Are you ready for a taste of Cuba? Look no further than Chacha’s Arroz Con Leche, a traditional Cuban rice pudding recipe that will leave your taste buds singing.
First off, let’s talk about simplicity. This recipe is easy to make and can be made with ingredients that are most likely already in your pantry. Rice, milk, sugar and cinnamon are the simple yet powerful base components that create the delectable flavor of arroz con leche. As busy moms or people who want to enjoy traditional desserts without a ton of extra work, this recipe is perfect for you.
Now let’s talk about the flavors that come together to create the perfect dessert day experience. The ground cinnamon paired with lemon zest and vanilla extract give it that exotic twist that sets it apart from any other rice pudding recipe out there. Trust me, when you take the first bite of this creamy concoction, your taste buds will dance with joy.
Finally, let’s talk about serving; this dish can be served warm or chilled and pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. A simple presentation of dusting ground cinnamon on top will give it a touch of elegance fit for any dinner party or special occasion.
So what are you waiting for? Take a step back from your everyday desserts and try something new with Chacha’s Arroz Con Leche. You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here is the ingredient list to make Chacha’s Arroz Con Leche, a popular traditional Cuban dessert. You will need:
- 1 1/2 cups of white rice
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of evaporated milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- Lemon zest
The Recipe How-To
Now that you’ve read about why you’ll fall in love with Chacha’s Arroz con Leche, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty and start making this delicious dish! This recipe is easy to make, and the result is a perfect dessert for any day. Follow these detailed instructions, and you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl of pudding in no time.
Recipe Directions
- Begin by boiling 2 cups of rice with 4 cups of water.
- Once the rice has come to a boil, add lemon zest (from one lemon), a cinnamon stick, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the pot.
- Reduce the heat so that the water is simmering, and cook until the rice is soft (about 15-20 minutes).
- Add 4 cups of milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1 cup of sugar to the pot. Stir well and bring back to a simmer.
- Cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the pudding has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
For those interested in making a dairy-free version, replace whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk for an equally creamy taste.
If you prefer a sweeter pudding, add sweetened condensed milk (1 can).
Serving and Pairing
This Arroz con Leche Cuban rice pudding recipe is best served warm. Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top before serving for additional flavor.
To elevate your dessert experience, pair your pudding with cuban coffee. Its rich flavors will pair perfectly with this traditional Cuban dessert.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This pudding can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect dessert for busy moms who want to enjoy traditional desserts without a ton of work. To store, pack leftover pudding into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days.
When reheating, add additional milk (about 1/2 cup) to the rice pudding before microwaving or heating on a stove. The pudding will harden after being refrigerated, so adding milk will soften it back to its creamy texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Cook rice with a cinnamon stick and lemon zest first to infuse flavors throughout the rice.
- Reduce heat once you have added all the ingredients, so the dish simmers gently but doesn’t overcook.
- Patience is key, as the final step requires 20 minutes of cooking time after adding milk.
- Serve warm, and reap the ultimate satisfaction when tasting this delicious dish.
FAQs
Is Arroz con Leche gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is found in traditional
Substitutions and Variations
Hey there! It’s time to get creative with this delicious Cuban Arroz con Leche recipe. Don’t be afraid to switch things up and add your own personal twist. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try out:
– Sweeteners: Instead of using sugar, you can use honey, agave nectar, maple syrup or any other natural sweetener that you prefer.
– Milk: For a richer flavor, you can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of cow’s milk. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use skim milk.
– Rice: This recipe calls for white rice, but you can use brown rice for a healthier twist.
– Spices: If you want to experiment with different spices, try adding nutmeg or allspice in addition to the cinnamon stick and ground cinnamon.
– Toppings: Pudding is all about the toppings! Add fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas, or add some chopped nuts for texture.
– Boozy: If you want to add a kick to your dessert, consider adding a splash of rum, brandy or Kahlúa for an adult version.
Remember that these are just suggestions – feel free to mix and match ingredients until you find your perfect combination. Be adventurous in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have prepared this decadent and traditional Cuban Arroz Con Leche, let’s talk about serving and pairing it with other treats! The pudding is best served warm, but it can also be refrigerated and enjoyed as a cold dessert.
One way to elevate the presentation is by garnishing it with ground cinnamon or lemon zest. The aromas of these ingredients will create a beautiful contrast to the sweetness of the pudding. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of your serving!
As for pairings, you can’t go wrong with a cup of piping hot Cuban coffee. This pairing will complement both the flavor of the dessert and the richness of the coffee. You could also serve this pudding after a delicious meal consisting of traditional Cuban mains like Ropa Vieja or Pernil Asado. Just make sure to keep some room for dessert!
Overall, Chacha’s Arroz Con Leche is an excellent treat to satisfy your sweet tooth and introduce yourself to traditional Cuban desserts. Enjoy it on its own or experiment with some of these pairing recommendations. You won’t regret trying out this perfect dessert for any day!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the most convenient aspects of this Cuban rice pudding recipe, also known as “Arroz con Leche,” is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later consumption. To make life even easier, you can double or triple the recipe and store portions in the freezer to thaw and reheat whenever you desire.
For best results, let the pudding cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pudding can remain fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. When ready to reheat, simply place a portion of rice pudding into a small saucepan on medium heat, add some whole milk or cream to think it out and stir often until it becomes creamy again.
If stored properly, the rice grains will stay plump and juicy, but it’s normal for the pudding to thicken a bit once refrigerated. If you find that your pudding has become too thick, just add some more milk or cream as you’re reheating. Don’t forget to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top before serving; it will complement the flavors beautifully.
Whether you’re making it for an event, family gathering, or just want to enjoy this fantastic dessert on a busy day, Arroz con Leche is the perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know the recipe for Chacha’s Arroz Con Leche, it’s time to make sure it turns out perfectly every time. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results:
1. Use the right type of rice. For this recipe, use white rice that is short or medium-grain. Long-grain rice won’t result in a creamy texture.
2. Cook the rice with enough liquid. You want the rice to absorb all of the liquid, so make sure you use enough water when cooking it.
3. Don’t overcook the rice. The rice should be soft, but not mushy or overdone. Keep checking on it as it cooks and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s soft.
4. Add the milk slowly. To avoid curdling or separating, add the milk slowly while stirring constantly.
5. Use a non-stick pot or a heavy-bottomed pot. This will help prevent burning and sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6. Stir often. Stirring prevents the rice from clumping together and ensures that all of the ingredients are blended evenly.
7. Add extra milk if needed. If your pudding is still hard after cooking, add a little more milk and cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired texture.
8. Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor. Fresh cinnamon sticks and lemon zest will give your Arroz Con Leche pudding a burst of flavor that just can’t be beat.
By following these tips, your Arroz Con Leche pudding recipe will turn out perfect every time, earning you praise and compliments from all who try it!
FAQ
Before I wrap up this article, I wanted to address some commonly asked questions about this recipe. Here are a few things you might be wondering about the ingredients, the processes, or other details that will come in handy when you’re making Chacha’s Arroz con Leche. So let’s clear up any confusion and get ready for an amazing dessert experience!
What is Cuban arroz con leche made of?
If you’re looking for a delectable treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, then you’ll definitely want to give Arroz con Leche a try. This Cuban rice pudding is known for its creamy texture and delicious blend of flavors, including sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, and lemon zest. With its straightforward recipe, it’s the perfect dessert to enjoy any day of the week.
Why is my arroz con leche still hard?
When making Arroz con Leche, it is important to keep in mind that it can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of four days. In case the rice remains uncooked or hard even after all the liquid has been absorbed, you can add a quarter cup of milk and equal parts of water while it simmers with the lid on. It is noteworthy that this recipe results in a sweet rice pudding, but you can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
What is arroz con leche Costa Rica made of?
One can relish the sweet treat of Costa Rican arroz con leche, a dessert made using white rice, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, which can be enjoyed either warm or cold.
What is Mexican rice pudding made of?
This sweet treat is widely known as Arroz con Leche, also recognized as Mexican Rice Pudding. It’s prepared with fluffy long-grain white rice mixed with sweet sugar, creamy milk, and spiced up with a dash of cinnamon sticks.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Chacha’s Arroz Con Leche, a traditional Cuban rice pudding recipe, is the perfect dessert for any occasion. If you are a busy mom who wants to enjoy traditional Cuban desserts without ton of prep or hassle, then this is the pudding recipe for you! With easy to follow directions, you’ll be able to make creamy and delicious arroz con leche in no time. Using simple ingredients like ground cinnamon, salt, sugar, milk, water, lemon zest, cinnamon stick and vanilla extract, you can easily cook up your own traditional Cuban-style arroz con leche without any complications.
This pudding is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile as it can be served warm or chilled and paired with anything from fresh fruit to a dollop of whipped cream. The combinations are endless!
With substitutions and variations available such as using coconut milk instead of whole milk, or adding evaporated milk for extra richness – you can tailor the recipe to your own preferences while still keeping the quintessential flavors that make this dish so special.
So go ahead and give this delicious arroz con leche recipe a try today! Your taste buds will thank you for it. This recipe is perfect for any dessert day and it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time!
Chacha’s Arroz Con Leche: Cuban Rice Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cinnamon stick
- lemon zest (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 4 1/4 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Boil rice, lemon zest, vanilla & cinnamon stick in water until rice is soft.
- Add milk, salt, and sugar.
- Cook over medium flame stirring occasionally until it thickens (about 1 hour).
- Turn over into a Pyrex-type dish & powder with cinnamon.
- I leave zest & cinnamon stick in the dish and serve around it as it continues to put out flavor.
- Serve warm or chilled.
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.