Arroz Con Leche recipe (Mexican Rice Pudding)

Imagine stepping into a home filled with the sweet scent of spices and creamy goodness. Memories start swirling around you, like the cinnamon dust in the air. Arroz con leche, a beloved Mexican rice pudding, is more than a dessert. It’s a connection to your heritage and family gatherings.

This simple yet delightful dish takes you on a journey of flavors. Soft rice blends with the richness of milk and hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Today, let’s explore this treasured arroz con leche recipe that has spanned generations.

Key Takeaways

• Arroz con leche is a traditional Mexican dessert that combines rice with milk, creating a deliciously comforting pudding.
• This dessert is celebrated for its rich flavors and versatility, often enjoyed at breakfast or as a sweet treat.
• The dish features warm spices, such as cinnamon and vanilla, adding to its nostalgic charm.
• Affordability and simplicity make it a popular choice for families, evoking memories of togetherness.
• Craft your own version at home, embracing the sweet Mexican rice and enjoying each spoonful.

What is Arroz Con Leche?

Arroz con leche, also known as Mexican rice pudding, is a sweet treat that delights with its creamy texture and aroma. It’s made with rice, milk, and sugar, and often includes spices like cinnamon and cloves. The history of arroz con leche starts in Spain, influenced by Arab cooking traditions. Over time, it has evolved into different rice pudding recipes in Latin America.

In many homes, arroz con leche is more than just a dessert. It’s a cherished family tradition, enjoyed during special occasions. The whole spices add a unique flavor, making it even more special. Its warmth and comfort have made it a classic favorite in many families.

Why You’ll Love This Arroz Con Leche Recipe

This easy arroz con leche recipe will warm your heart with its tradition and taste. The way it cooks rice in sweetened milk makes the flavors blend perfectly. Unlike recipes with pre-cooked rice, this method gives a creamier, more delicious pudding. It highlights the rich tastes of cinnamon and cloves.

This dessert brings back memories and encourages you to get creative in the kitchen. It’s simple to make, perfect for anyone wanting to try one of the best rice puddings at home. You can use common ingredients to make a tasty treat for breakfast, a snack, or when you crave something sweet.

Feel free to add your own twist by trying different toppings. You can use fresh fruit or sprinkle toasted nuts on top. Its flexibility and simplicity make it great for any time or event.

Ingredients for the Perfect Arroz Con Leche

To make a delicious arroz con leche, start with the best ingredients. Knowing the key ingredients will make your rice pudding rich, creamy, and tasty. The mix of flavors and textures makes this dish special.

Key Ingredients

When making this sweet treat, include:

• Rice: Long-grain white rice is best for the right texture.
• Milk: Whole or 2% milk makes it creamy. Evaporated milk adds a rich flavor.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens it and goes well with spices.
• Cinnamon Sticks and Cloves: These spices give it a unique taste. Add ground cinnamon on top.

Optional Toppings and Variations

Make your arroz con leche even better with these toppings:

• Sweetened raisins
• Chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans
• A sprinkle of ground cinnamon

Try these variations for a twist:

• Add vanilla extract for a stronger aroma.
• Use coconut milk for a tropical flavor.
• Include dried fruits for extra taste.

How to Make Arroz Con Leche

Follow this easy step-by-step arroz con leche recipe to make a tasty dessert. First, get your ingredients ready. Then, follow these simple steps:

1. In a large pot, mix 2 ½ cups of water, 1 cup of long-grain white rice, 2 cinnamon sticks, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
2. Add 4 cups of milk and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Bring it back to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook for another 25-30 minutes. Stir often until it thickens.
3. When it thickens, serve it warm or chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. You can add your favorite toppings for extra taste.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Enjoying your arroz con leche later? Proper storing and reheating are key. They keep it creamy and flavorful. Follow these tips for the best results.

How Long Can You Store Arroz Con Leche?

Store your arroz con leche in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 to 6 days. Freezing is another option, but the texture might change a bit when thawed. For the best taste, use frozen arroz con leche within 3 months.

Best Methods for Reheating

Reheat your rice pudding on the stove or in the microwave. Adding a splash of milk or water helps restore its creamy texture. Stir gently to avoid clumps. Enjoy your dessert as if it were freshly made!

Nutrition Information

If you enjoy arroz con leche, knowing its nutritional content is helpful. A standard serving size is about ½ cup, which is one-eighth of the recipe. It has around 242 calories. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the arroz con leche nutrition facts:

This dessert is sweet and comforting, making it a great choice for a healthy treat. The creaminess and flavor can change based on the milk type. You might try using less sugar or adding nutritious ingredients to make it healthier and tastier.

Optional Variations of Arroz Con Leche

Arroz con leche is a dish that invites creativity. If you’re looking for vegan options, try using full-fat coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. These alternatives keep the dish creamy and plant-based.

Vegan Options

For vegan versions, rich plant-based milks boost the flavor. Try different coconut or almond milks to find your favorite. A bit of maple syrup or agave adds sweetness without harming vegan values.

Flavor Additions

Adding unique flavors can make your arroz con leche special. Vanilla or almond extracts add delightful touches. A sprinkle of citrus zest gives a refreshing twist.

Chocolate lovers can add cacao powder or chocolate chips for a rich treat. These changes let you tailor the dish to your liking.

Arroz Con Leche Recipe in a Rice Cooker

Making arroz con leche in a rice cooker is easy. It simplifies the traditional cooking process. You just need a few ingredients and steps.

Start by mixing 1 cup of rice, 4 cups of whole milk, and 1 cup of water in your rice cooker. Add cinnamon and vanilla for extra flavor.

Then, choose the ‘porridge’ setting on your cooker. This setting cooks the rice evenly and makes it creamy. You’ll hardly need to watch it cook.

After it’s done, stir the arroz con leche well. This mixes in any spices that settled. Serve it warm or chilled, as you like.

Serving Suggestions

To make your arroz con leche stand out, serve it in individual bowls or fancy glasses. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon adds a nice touch that enhances both flavor and aesthetics. You can also garnish with fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas, or citrus segments for a pop of color.

Chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts add crunch and complement the creamy pudding. Sweet drizzles like honey or maple syrup can also be added for a tasty contrast. These ideas are perfect for serving ideas for rice pudding that everyone will love.

Enjoy your arroz con leche hot for a cozy breakfast or chilled for a cool dessert. Its versatility makes it great for any meal or event, pleasing all tastes.

Conclusion

The classic arroz con leche recipe is a delightful reminder of heritage and comfort. It’s not just tasty but also lets you add your favorite toppings. This makes every bowl unique to you.

This creamy dish is perfect for bringing families together. It’s a hit at gatherings and celebrations. With simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy it all year, creating memories with each bite.

Whether it’s a chilly winter night or a summer party, this dessert is always inviting. Once you make it at home, it will become a favorite in your family.

Arroz Con Leche recipe (Mexican Rice Pudding)

Arroz con leche recipe for the creamiest, most delicious dessert! A sweet and comforting classic your whole family will enjoy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Breakfast / Brunch / Dessert

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8

Calories 225 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 4 cups water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 pinch of salt
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
• 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
• Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook the Rice: In a large saucepan, combine the rice, water, cinnamon sticks, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and most of the water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
• Add Milks: Remove the cinnamon sticks. Stir in the whole milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 20-25 minutes.
• Add Flavoring: Stir in the vanilla extract, if using. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
• Serve: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Serve warm or refrigerate for a few hours and serve chilled. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon before serving.

Keyword comfort food, traditional dessert, cinnamon, creamy, rice pudding