Yield: 8 servings
Arroz Con Leche (Spanish Rice Pudding)
Classic arroz con leche is a creamy homemade dessert that comes together on the stovetop with ease! Serve this sweet rice pudding warm or cold, lightly dusted with ground cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk, or half and half
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup raisins, optional
- Ground cinnamon, for serving
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Instructions
- Place the rice in a fine mesh sieve, and rinse it until the water runs clear.
- Place the rice, cinnamon, and water in a large saucepan. Bring the rice to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft. Be careful not to break the rice by stirring it too much.
- Once the rice is soft, add the whole milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. If you are using raisins, add them as well.
- Bring the mixture to a low simmer and cook for another 15 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
- Remove from the heat and allow to sit and thicken even more. You can serve the Arroz con Leche now, while it is warm, or let it cool completely and refrigerate it to serve chilled. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon before serving.
Video
Notes
Storage: Arroz con leche can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for about 5 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the desired portion in a saucepan over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk if it seems too dry. Heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it for 30 seconds at a time, stirring often.
Freeze: To freeze, store in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Transfer to fridge to thaw overnight before serving chilled or reheating.
Toasted Cinnamon: Lightly toasting the cinnamon stick in a dry pan before using will enhance the cinnamon flavor. You only need a single stick for the pudding, so toast an additional one to use for garnish. Finely grate the freshly toasted cinnamon with a microplane grater over the top before serving.
Adjust the Thickness: This arroz con leche recipe will thicken up as it simmers and then cools. For an extra thick pudding, cook it a little longer. Do keep in mind that it thickens considerably when chilled in the fridge if serving cold.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet arroz con leche, try replacing the sweetened condensed milk with another can of evaporated milk. From there, sweeten as desired with honey, sugar, or even maple syrup.
Raisins: Don’t like raisins? Try your favorite chopped, dry or fresh fruits such as cherries, cranberries, pear, apple, pineapple or shredded coconut.
Other Additions: Try dark chocolate chips, caramel sauce, toasted nuts or top with whipped cream.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 525kcal, Carbohydrates: 97g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 37mg, Sodium: 142mg, Potassium: 536mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 53g, Vitamin A: 334IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 351mg, Iron: 1mg