Description
Arroz con Leche is a traditional Latin American rice pudding made by simmering long-grain white rice in whole milk with cinnamon and sugar until creamy and tender. This comforting dessert is flavored with vanilla and often garnished with ground cinnamon and optional raisins, making it a sweet, aromatic treat that can be served warm or chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Flavorings and Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for garnish
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, preventing the pudding from becoming overly sticky.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, whole milk, granulated sugar, cinnamon stick, and salt to start the cooking process.
- Bring to Boil: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally so the rice cooks evenly and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Remove Cinnamon Stick and Add Flavor: Once the rice is tender and the texture is creamy, take out the cinnamon stick and stir in the vanilla extract and raisins if you’re using them.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the arroz con leche into serving bowls and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled based on your preference.
Notes
- For an extra creamy texture, stir in 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk at the end of cooking.
- To add crunch and flavor, top with toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts.
- Adjust the sugar quantity according to your sweetness preference.
