Mexican Arroz Con Leche Recipe 🍚🥛
Arroz Con Leche is a cherished Mexican dessert that embodies warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia. This creamy rice pudding, infused with cinnamon and vanilla, is a delightful treat perfect for any time of year. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups whole milk (or a combination of whole milk and evaporated milk)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup raisins (optional)
- Ground cinnamon (for serving)
- Sweetened condensed milk (optional, for drizzling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Rinse the Rice
- Rinse thoroughly: Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, preventing the rice from clumping and ensuring a creamy consistency.
2. Cook the Rice
- Combine with water: In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice, 1 cup of water, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook: Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
3. Prepare the Milk Mixture
- Heat milk and spices: In a large saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
4. Combine Rice and Milk
- Mix together: Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to the simmering milk mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer the Arroz Con Leche
- Cook until thickened: Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for about 20-30 minutes. The mixture should thicken to a pudding-like consistency.
- Add raisins (optional): If you’re using raisins, stir them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow them to plump up and absorb the flavors.
6. Serve
- Finish: Remove the cinnamon stick and serve the arroz con leche warm or chilled.
- Garnish: Sprinkle each serving with a dash of ground cinnamon. For extra sweetness, drizzle with sweetened condensed milk before serving.
Tips for Perfect Arroz Con Leche
- Adjust Sweetness: Customize the sugar to your liking. You can start with ½ cup and add more if desired.
- Customize Milk: For a richer dessert, substitute part of the whole milk with evaporated milk or cream.
- Add Flavor: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a drop of almond extract for a unique twist.
- Consistency Matters: If the pudding becomes too thick, stir in a little warm milk to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
Why You’ll Love Mexican Arroz Con Leche
This dish is more than a dessert—it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. Its creamy texture, the warm spice of cinnamon, and the sweetness of sugar create a harmonious balance of flavors. Whether served after dinner, as a midday snack, or even for breakfast, arroz con leche is a versatile treat that brings joy to every spoonful.
Gather your ingredients and enjoy this traditional Mexican delight! 🌟