arroz con leche rice pudding recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best arroz con leche rice pudding recipe

I’ve always been a fan of traditional Latin American desserts, and arroz con leche rice pudding is one of my favorites. This creamy, comforting dessert is a staple in many Latin American countries, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for other desserts. I first learned how to make arroz con leche from my abuela, who taught me the importance of using high-quality ingredients and cooking the rice until it’s perfectly tender.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit my family’s tastes, but the core ingredients and technique remain the same. My kids love helping me in the kitchen with this recipe, and they always ask for seconds (or thirds!) when we serve it up at family gatherings.

There’s something special about serving a homemade dessert that’s been passed down through generations – it feels like a warm hug from your ancestors. Plus, arroz con leche is incredibly versatile: you can serve it chilled, topped with fresh fruit or whipped cream, or warm it up with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey. The possibilities are endless!

I love that this recipe is also relatively healthy compared to other desserts – with only a few simple ingredients and no added sugars or preservatives. My husband often jokes that I’m too busy making healthy food to worry about indulging in treats. But let’s be real: even the healthiest recipes deserve a little bit of love and enjoyment!

So go ahead, give arroz con leche a try – I promise you won’t regret it! It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or just need a pick-me-up on a Tuesday afternoon.

Arroz con Leche Rice Pudding

Arroz con Leche Rice Pudding

4.9 from 839 votes

This creamy and comforting arroz con leche is a classic Mexican rice pudding infused with cinnamon and vanilla. It is a simple dessert made with everyday ingredients, perfect for warming up a cool evening.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Rice Pudding

1 cup long-grain white rice
4 cups whole milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Ground cinnamon for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and the cinnamon stick.
3Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
4Remove the cinnamon stick and add the whole milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and salt to the cooked rice.
5Stir well with a wooden spoon.
6Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
7Continue to cook the pudding over low heat, stirring often, for 25 to 30 minutes.
8The pudding is ready when it has thickened to a creamy consistency and the rice is very soft.
9It should coat the back of a spoon.
10Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
11The pudding will continue to thicken as it cools.
12Serve warm or chilled, sprinkled with ground cinnamon.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan with lid
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 200mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 35g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute 1 cup of the whole milk with heavy cream. If the pudding becomes too thick after cooling, stir in a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Watch Video Of How Arroz con Leche Rice Pudding Works

This recipe makes enough for 6-8 servings so whether you’re planning an intimate dinner party or just need something easy to whip up on weeknights.

We love serving our leftovers chilled with fresh fruit sprinkled on top but honestly anything goes!

In fact my daughter loves reheating her portion at school by placing it back in her thermos so she always has something delicious waiting for her after gym class When storing leftovers make sure they’re covered tightly so they stay fresh for days However don’t be surprised if everyone devours their share within hours – trust me this stuff disappears fast!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Arroz con Leche Rice Pudding

Q: What type of rice should I use for arroz con leche?

For arroz con leche, you’ll want to use short-grain rice – also known as ‘arroz blanco’ or ‘Spanish rice.’ This type of rice is specifically designed to absorb liquid well and hold its shape when cooked.

Q: Can I use brown rice instead?

No! While brown rice is nutritious and delicious on its own, it won’t work well in arroz con leche due to its firmer texture.

Q: How do I prevent lumps from forming in the pudding?

Make sure to cook the rice until it’s perfectly tender – then stir in your milk mixture slowly while whisking constantly.

Q: Can I substitute almond milk or another non-dairy milk for regular milk?

You can experiment with different types of milk if you prefer dairy-free options; however keep in mind that these milks may not provide the same rich flavor as regular milk.

Q: What if I don’t have an oven-safe dish for baking the pudding?

No problem! Simply transfer the pudding mixture to individual ramekins or small baking dishes before baking – this way you can easily serve yourself without having to scoop out large portions.

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