Mexican Arroz con Leche Recipe
Arroz con Leche is a comforting and traditional Mexican dessert that brings warmth and sweetness to any meal. This creamy rice pudding is a staple in Mexican households, often served as a dessert or even as a sweet breakfast dish. Its simple ingredients—rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon—come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that is rich in texture and flavor. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s easy to make, customizable, and satisfies any sweet tooth with its velvety goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice
- 4 cups of water
- 4 cups of whole milk (or a combination of milk and evaporated milk for extra creaminess)
- 1 (14-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional)
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Rice
Start by rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water. This helps to remove excess starch, ensuring that the final dish won’t be too sticky. In a medium pot, add 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed rice and the cinnamon stick. Let the rice cook for about 15 to 20 minutes over medium heat until it becomes tender but not mushy. The rice should absorb most of the water by this time.
Drain any excess water if needed, and discard the cinnamon stick.
Step 2: Adding the Milk
Once the rice is cooked, it’s time to add the creamy elements that make Arroz con Leche so special. Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the whole milk. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the milk with evaporated milk. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, which adds both creaminess and sweetness to the dish.
For those who like a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or replace it with regular milk and increase the sugar slightly to taste.
Step 3: Flavoring the Rice
Next, add the sugar, vanilla extract, and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The cinnamon is a key flavor in Arroz con Leche, bringing warmth and a subtle spice to the dessert. Stir everything together gently and allow the mixture to simmer over low heat. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot or burning.
At this stage, you can also add the zest of a lemon or an orange for a citrusy brightness that balances out the sweetness. The zest adds a fragrant layer to the dish, though this is entirely optional and based on personal preference.
Step 4: Let It Thicken
Allow the rice and milk mixture to cook for another 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the liquid will reduce, and the mixture will thicken into a creamy pudding-like consistency. The starch from the rice will naturally thicken the milk, creating that signature velvety texture.
If you notice the mixture becoming too thick before the rice is fully tender, you can add a little more milk to loosen it up. Be careful not to add too much milk at once, as the Arroz con Leche should be creamy but not too runny.
Step 5: Adding Raisins (Optional)
If you like the traditional touch of raisins, now is the time to add them. Simply stir in about half a cup of raisins during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The raisins will plump up as they absorb the sweet, milky mixture, adding little bursts of sweetness to each spoonful.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Once the rice pudding reaches your desired consistency, taste it to see if it needs more sugar or cinnamon. Arroz con Leche should be sweet but not overwhelmingly so, with the cinnamon providing a comforting, familiar warmth. If it’s perfect, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. As it cools, it will continue to thicken, so keep that in mind when deciding on the final texture.
Step 7: Serving
Arroz con Leche can be served either warm or cold, depending on your preference. To serve, spoon it into bowls and sprinkle with a little extra ground cinnamon on top for garnish. Some people also enjoy topping it with a bit of whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel for added decadence.
Customization Tips:
- Coconut Arroz con Leche: Replace some or all of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Arroz con Leche: Stir in some cocoa powder or melted chocolate during the final stages of cooking for a chocolate-infused version.
- Nutty Variation: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or even toasted coconut flakes on top for some added texture and flavor.
Storage:
If you have any leftovers, store your Arroz con Leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. As it cools in the fridge, it will become even thicker, so you may want to add a splash of milk when reheating to bring it back to its original creamy consistency.
Conclusion:
Mexican Arroz con Leche is a beloved dish that embodies the warmth and comfort of home cooking. With its creamy texture, sweet flavors, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s the perfect dessert to serve after a family meal. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, this simple yet satisfying treat is sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation. Feel free to experiment with additional flavors and ingredients to make it your own!
