Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Nostalgic: This dish evokes memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings, offering a taste of tradition in every spoonful.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like rice, milk, and cinnamon, it’s both accessible and easy to prepare.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm on chilly evenings or chilled during warmer days, making it suitable for any season.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sugar levels to your preference, catering to both those who enjoy a subtle sweetness and those with a sweeter tooth.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust up to 1¼ cups based on sweetness preference)
Directions
- Rinse the Rice: Thoroughly rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Cook the Rice: In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is tender and most of the water has been absorbed, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Add Milks and Sweeteners: Remove the cinnamon stick from the saucepan. Stir in the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and granulated sugar. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Mixture: Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent the milk from scorching. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency, about 20-25 minutes.
- Flavor the Pudding: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pudding.
- Serve: Ladle the arroz con leche into individual serving bowls. It can be enjoyed warm for a comforting treat or chilled in the refrigerator for a refreshing dessert.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk with their coconut or almond milk counterparts for a lactose-free version.
- Add-Ins: Incorporate raisins, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut during the simmering process for added texture and flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add a strip of lemon or orange zest to the cooking rice for a subtle citrus aroma.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves along with the cinnamon.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the rice pudding to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the desired portion in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to adjust consistency if necessary. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated to your liking.
FAQs
What is the origin of Arroz con Leche?
Arroz con Leche has its roots in Spanish cuisine and has been embraced and adapted by various Latin American countries, each adding its unique twist to the traditional recipe.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used; however, it requires a longer cooking time and will yield a nuttier flavor and slightly different texture.
How can I prevent the milk from burning during cooking?
To prevent burning, cook the mixture over low heat and stir frequently, ensuring the milk doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Is it necessary to rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch, resulting in a creamier pudding without overly thickening the mixture.
Can I make Arroz con Leche ahead of time?
Absolutely! Arroz con Leche can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It often develops a richer flavor after sitting for a day.
What toppings can I add to enhance the flavor?
Popular toppings include a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Can I freeze Arroz con Leche?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become grainy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
How do I adjust the sweetness to my preference?
Start with the suggested ¼ cup of granulated sugar and taste the mixture before simmering. Add more sugar in small increments, up to 1¼ cups total, until the desired sweetness is achieved.
What type of cinnamon is best to use?
Using a whole cinnamon stick imparts a subtle, warm flavor. Ground cinnamon can also be used but may alter the texture.
Print
Mexican Rice Pudding
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and comforting, this traditional Mexican Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche) blends white rice with three types of milk, cinnamon, and vanilla for a nostalgic Latin American dessert. Perfect served warm or chilled, it’s easy to customize and ideal for any season.
Ingredients
2 cups white rice
4 cups water
2 cups whole milk
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
12 ounces evaporated milk
1 cinnamon stick
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup granulated sugar (adjustable up to 1¼ cups based on sweetness preference)
Instructions
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Rinse the Rice: Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
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Cook the Rice: In a large saucepan, combine rice, water, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender.
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Add Milks and Sugar: Remove cinnamon stick. Stir in whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and sugar.
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Simmer: Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
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Add Flavor: Stir in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
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Serve: Enjoy warm or refrigerate for a chilled version.
Notes
Adjust sugar to taste; start low and increase gradually.
Add citrus zest, dried fruits, or shredded coconut for extra flavor.
Use plant-based milks for a dairy-free version.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
