Delicious Rice Pudding Recipe with a Twist
Arroz con Leche, also known as Mexican rice pudding, is a delicious dessert made from rice, sugar, milk and cinnamon sticks. This traditional dish that originated in Spain has now become a popular dessert in many Latin American countries.
If you’re a fan of comforting desserts that are easy to make with basic pantry staples, then you’ll love this easy rice pudding recipe! It requires only a handful of ingredients and can be whipped up in just under an hour.
This Arroz con Leche recipe is my personal favorite and I’m excited to share it with you! Whether you’re looking for the perfect dessert for your next dinner party or simple sweet indulgence, this recipe is sure to impress. Get ready to indulge in a creamy and satisfying dessert that will transport you straight to Latin America!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you ready to take your taste buds on a trip to Mexico or maybe to the Dominican Republic? Look no further because this recipe for Arroz Con Leche (rice pudding) is the perfect dessert for you. This delicious dessert is perfect for those who have a sweet tooth, and an adventurous spirit.
What sets this recipe apart from other rice puddings is its unique combination of flavors. Using cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon in the recipe gives a warm and spicy taste that will excite your senses. Additionally, the sweetened condensed milk provides a creamy and rich texture that will make you swoon with every spoonful.
Not only is this recipe tasty, but it’s also incredibly simple to make. With just a few ingredients like rice, water, milk, sugar, cinnamon and sweetened condensed milk, anyone can make this dessert. And fear not; making this delectable dish doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or an abundance of culinary skills. All you need is a pot and a little bit of patience.
So whether you’re hosting a dinner party with friends or simply looking to indulge in a new dessert trend, Arroz Con Leche is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. Give this recipe a try and let yourself be taken on a journey through Mexican kitchens, Dominican homes, and any other places that are famous for their rice pudding recipes.
Ingredient List
To make this delicious rice pudding, we will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
- Ground cinnamon for serving
These are all the ingredients you need to make a classic Arroz Con Leche recipe, a dessert made with rice, sugar, and milk that has become popular throughout Latin America. However, there are variations of this recipe that include additional ingredients, such as coconut milk or evaporated milk, depending on the region you are in.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s take a look at how to make this heavenly Arroz Con Leche also known as Rice Pudding.
Preparation:
Before getting started, gather all the required ingredients to ensure everything is within reach during the cooking process. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice in cold water. Drain and set it aside.
Cooking:
In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and rice. Bring them to boil over medium high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer covered until the rice is soft, and most of the water is absorbed. Take note that this will take approximately 20 minutes depending on your rice type.
Next, add 2 cups of milk, one cinnamon stick, and a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk into the cooked rice mixture. Stir the mixture occasionally but frequently enough to prevent any burning or scorching from happening. Cook everything together for approximately an additional 20 minutes on low heat.
Finishing Touches
Remove the cinnamon stick from the mixture before stirring in an additional cup of whole milk along with another half cup of sweetened condensed milk. Stirring continuously until you get a thick and creamy texture.
The Final Step:
As a final touch, spice up your Arroz Con Leche by adding some ground cinnamon powder on top or garnish with cinnamon sticks. And there you have it – A mouthwatering bowl of Rice Pudding ready to be enjoyed!
Substitutions and Variations
If you love rice pudding but want to mix it up a bit, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try! For instance, if you prefer a different type of rice than long-grain white rice, feel free to switch it out for another variety such as arborio or short-grain white rice. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of rice you use.
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you may also want to try alternative sweeteners instead of sweetened condensed milk. Coconut milk or evaporated milk can be used instead. If you’re looking to up the nutrition content, try swapping out some of the milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
For an extra flavor boost, add in a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the sweetness or swap out the ground cinnamon for other spices like cardamom or nutmeg. You could also experiment with adding different mix-ins like raisins, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something different altogether, there are many variations on this classic dish found throughout Latin America that you can explore. In Colombia, “arroz con leche” is made with coconut milk and served with grated coconut on top. In the Dominican Republic, they make it with condensed milk and add in butter during cooking.
No matter how you decide to switch things up, don’t be afraid to experiment! As long as you stick to the basics of sugar, milk, and rice (and cinnamon, if you like), your creation is sure to be delicious.
Serving and Pairing
There are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy this rich and creamy Arroz Con Leche. It’s perfect as a warm, cozy dessert on a chilly night, but it’s also tasty served cold as a sweet midday snack.
When it comes to pairing, the classic option would be a cup of coffee or tea to balance out the sweetness. A nice cold glass of milk or even some whipped cream would be great alongside this pudding for an extra creamy touch.
For those who are looking for something more adventurous, try sprinkling some ground cinnamon on top of the warm rice pudding or try using cinnamon sticks as utensils for stirring the pudding. Combining toasted coconut flakes with Arroz Con Leche also adds an exotic twist that will certainly excite your taste buds.
Arroz Con Leche is a dessert deeply rooted in Latin American cuisine and can be found in many variations throughout different regions. Hence, it matches perfectly with other traditional desserts from Latin America like Tres Leches Cake, Churros or Flan which would make a daring and unique dessert menu for any dinner party.
The versatility and flavor possibilities of Arroz Con Leche make it easy to serve as a dessert at home or at an event, providing an authentic cultural taste of Mexico or any other Latin American country that gives you a chance to share the flavors and cuisine of another culture with your friends and family in a sweet and simple way.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about rice pudding is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead and store, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests. To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions and allow the pudding to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or individual serving dishes.
If you’re short on time, or want to serve your rice pudding hot, reheating is quick and easy. The easiest method is to simply microwave a single serving, with 30-60 seconds being enough in most cases. However, if you’re reheating a large batch or prefer to use the stovetop, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the pudding and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Storing rice pudding is also incredibly simple. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. If you need to store it for longer than that, consider freezing individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy your stored or reheated pudding, consider serving warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, this rich and creamy dessert will be sure to please your taste buds time and time again!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make the perfect Arroz Con Leche, there are a few tips I want to share with you. These tips come from my years of experience in preparing this dish and will help ensure your rice pudding turns out creamy, flavorful, and delicious every time.
First, use long-grain white rice for the pudding. This type of rice is best for absorbing liquids and cooking evenly. Short-grain or sweet rice can result in a sticky consistency that may ruin the texture of the dish.
Measure your ingredients carefully when making Arroz Con Leche since this recipe requires a precise balance of water, milk, and rice. It’s also essential to use high-quality ingredients such as whole milk and sweetened condensed milk to create a rich and creamy pudding.
When boiling your rice, ensure it is still hard in the center before adding the sweetened condensed milk. If you add the sweetened condensed milk while the rice is still undercooked, it will cause the pudding to become overly sweet with a grainy texture.
Additionally, using ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks can alter the taste of your dish. Cinnamon sticks tend to be more potent and can give your pudding a stronger and more authentic flavor than ground cinnamon.
If you’re short on time, you can use a rice cooker for this recipe. A rice cooker will ensure your rice is cooked evenly, freeing up stove space for other dishes you may be making.
Lastly, don’t forget to stir regularly during cooking to avoid any burned or clumpy areas. And if you’re looking for something extra-special, try swapping traditional milk for coconut milk or evaporated milk but keep in mind the resulting flavor profile will differ from the classic version.
By following these tips, I guarantee that your Arroz Con Leche will turn out fantastic!
FAQ
As we wrap up this recipe article, it is common to have some questions related to the preparation or ingredients that haven’t been addressed yet. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions down below. So, whether you’re an experienced cook or a newbie in the kitchen, read on for some clarification and insight into making the perfect Arroz con Leche – rice pudding dessert!
What is Mexican rice pudding made of?
A delectable dessert from Mexico is the Arroz con Leche, which flaunts a rich blend of long-grain white rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon sticks.
Which rice is better for rice pudding?
For a traditional rice pudding recipe, I recommend using long grain converted white rice. Another great option is Arborio rice, which results in a delightful rice pudding as well. However, keep in mind that Arborio rice has a higher liquid absorption rate, meaning that you may need to add additional hot milk or water while simmering it towards the end.
Why is my arroz con leche still hard?
Keep in mind that Arroz con Leche can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of four days. In case you encounter uncooked or grainy rice despite it being fully immersed in the liquid, pour in approximately ¼ cup of milk and ¼ cup of water, and let it simmer on low heat, covered. You may notice that this rice pudding recipe is quite sweet, so if you prefer less sweet desserts, adjust the amount of sugar used accordingly.
Bottom Line
I hope that you enjoyed reading this recipe article and that you were convinced to try making this delicious Easy Rice Pudding – Arroz Con Leche! As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I can guarantee that: the combination of sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon sticks, and long-grain white rice will blow your mind – it’s a dessert lover’s dream come true.
So why not give this recipe a try today? You won’t regret it! Not only is Arroz Con Leche a staple dessert in Mexican cuisine but also across Latin America, with variations of it found in Spanish, Colombian, and Dominican recipes. And with substitutions like using coconut milk instead of whole milk or adding evaporated milk to the recipe – the possibilities are endless for creating your version of this pudding.
To make things even easier, you can use a rice cooker to make the dish. Trust me, following these straightforward steps will make you feel like an expert chef in no time. The aroma of sweetened cinnamon and caramelized sugar from your kitchen will beckon your family members to come & try a bite too!
Lastly, don’t forget to tell us about your rice pudding adventure by posting pictures on social media and tagging us so we can see. We love hearing success stories and seeing your creative twists on the classic recipe.
Enjoy soft and creamy rice pudding that melts in your mouth with every spoonful – Hacer Arroz Con Leche has never been easier!
Easy Rice Pudding - Arroz Con Leche... Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, a good long grain
- 1 (8 ounce) can condensed milk
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the 1cup of rice, with 2cups of water, and add the cinnamon sticks, when it boils, reduce the heat to medium, stir until it dry. Add the 4cups of milk, stir more and a little more, when adding the condensed milk.
- Let the milk reduce, for another 15 min, or until it have the consistent, you desired. I like it a little wet, but not damp in milk.
- At the end when, cool add the ground cinnamon, or when serve.
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.