Arroz con Leche
A classic Mexican comfort dessert, Arroz con Leche is a creamy and sweet rice pudding infused with the warm aroma of cinnamon. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Short-grain white rice(Such as Arborio or Calrose rice, for creaminess.)
- 1 L Whole milk(Can substitute with a mix of milk and evaporated milk for extra richness.)
- 2 Cinnamon sticks(Mexican cinnamon (canela) is preferred for its distinct flavor, but regular cinnamon sticks work too.)
- 200 ml Sweetened condensed milk(Adjust to taste; can add more or less depending on desired sweetness.)
- 50 g Raisins(Optional, can be soaked in warm water for 10 minutes before adding if you prefer them softer.)
- to taste Ground cinnamon(For garnish.)
- 500 ml Water(For cooking the rice initially.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 500ml of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until most of the water is absorbed and the rice is tender but still holds its shape. Avoid overcooking at this stage.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Pour the milk into the saucepan with the partially cooked rice. Add the cinnamon sticks. Stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Do not boil vigorously. Cook, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot, for about 25-30 minutes. The mixture should thicken slightly, and the rice should become very tender and creamy. The liquid will reduce.
⏱️ 25-30 minutes - 3
Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and the raisins (if using). Continue to simmer gently, stirring constantly, for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the pudding to reach your desired creamy consistency. The pudding will thicken further as it cools.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes - 4
Remove the cinnamon sticks before serving. Ladle the Arroz con Leche into individual bowls. Garnish generously with ground cinnamon. Serve warm for a comforting dessert, or chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for a refreshing treat.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Stir frequently, especially during the simmering stages, to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
- ✓The final consistency should be creamy and luscious, not watery. It will thicken more as it cools.
- ✓For a smoother texture, you can blend a small portion of the cooked rice with some of the milk before adding it back to the pot.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a tropical twist, substitute some of the milk with coconut milk.
- Incorporate other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract in the last few minutes of cooking for extra aroma.