authentic mexican arroz con leche recipe

The Best authentic mexican arroz con leche recipe

Arroz con leche, also known as Mexican rice pudding, is a comforting and creamy dessert that has been a staple in my household for years. As a child of Mexican-American parents, I grew up with this dish being served at family gatherings and special occasions. It’s a simple yet rich dessert that never fails to impress.

The combination of cooked rice, milk, sugar, and spices creates a velvety texture that’s both soothing and indulgent. Growing up, I remember watching my mother carefully stir the mixture over low heat until it thickened into a smooth paste. She’d then chill it in the refrigerator before serving it cold.

This process not only helped to thicken the mixture but also allowed the flavors to meld together beautifully. As an adult, I’ve experimented with various recipes to perfect this dish. I’ve tried using different types of milk, such as almond or coconut milk, to give it a non-dairy twist.

I’ve also added cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the warm spices. However, I’ve found that traditional Mexican arroz con leche recipes are often the most satisfying. My family loves this recipe because it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit our tastes.

We often serve it at family gatherings and potlucks, where it’s always a hit. My kids adore helping me stir the mixture until it thickens into a creamy paste.

Authentic Mexican Arroz con Leche

4.7 from 1730 votes

A comforting and creamy Mexican rice pudding flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, and citrus. This traditional recipe is slow-cooked to perfection.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hour 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Arroz con Leche

2 cups long grain white rice
4 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp salt
4 cups whole milk
1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 tbsp vanilla extract
zest of 1 lime
zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup sliced almonds

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large saucepan, combine rice, water, cinnamon stick, and salt.
2Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
4Add milk to the saucepan with the rice.
5Stir well to combine.
6Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
7Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
8The mixture should thicken slightly.
9Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, lime zest, and lemon zest.
10Continue to cook over low heat for an additional 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
11The mixture should become very thick and creamy.
12If it becomes too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
13Remove from heat and stir in the raisins and almonds.
14Let the arroz con leche cool slightly before serving.
15The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
16Transfer the arroz con leche to serving dishes.
17Sprinkle with additional cinnamon or a pinch of lime zest if desired.
18Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

🔧Equipment

Large saucepan
Wooden spoon
Mixing bowl
Serving dishes

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 350mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use whole milk. You can also add a splash of rum for an adult version of this classic dessert.

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion and works well for family gatherings. The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

When reheating arroz con leche, simply place it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also serve it chilled with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Arroz con Leche

1.

Q: What is arroz con leche?
Arroz con leche is a traditional Mexican rice pudding made with cooked rice, milk, sugar, and spices.

2.

Q: What type of milk can I use in this recipe?
You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole milk, skim milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.

3.

Q: Can I make arroz con leche without cooking the rice first?
No, it’s best to cook the rice first to break down some of its starches and make it easier to digest.

4.

Q: How long does arroz con leche keep in the refrigerator?
You can store arroz con leche in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

5.

Q: Can I reheat arroz con leche?
Yes, you can reheat arroz con leche by placing it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

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