Authentic Arroz Con Leche Recipe for Weekend Indulgence
Introduction:
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Mexican dessert with our irresistible Arroz Con Leche recipe. Perfect for weekend gatherings or cozy evenings at home, this creamy rice pudding infused with cinnamon and sweetened with condensed milk is sure to delight your taste buds. Plus, with the option to customize with your favorite toppings, you can make it your own. Join us for a culinary journey to savor the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 7 cups water
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 4-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
- 1 14-ounce can condensed milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup golden or regular raisins
- Optional toppings: drained pineapple, coconut, pecans, or any preferred nuts
Directions:
- Prepare the Rice Mixture:
- In a medium-sized heavy saucepan, combine 7 cups of water, 1 cup of long-grain white rice, and a 4-inch cinnamon stick.
- Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, uncovered. Cook until the rice is tender, approximately 18 minutes.
- Strain and Reserve:
- Once the rice is tender, strain out the liquid from the saucepan. Discard the cinnamon stick and reserve the cooked rice.
- Combine with Milk:
- Return the cooked rice to the saucepan and stir in 1 can of evaporated milk, 1 can of condensed milk, and 1 cup of whole milk.
- Continue cooking the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
- Thicken the Mixture:
- Reduce the heat to low and cook the mixture, uncovered, stirring constantly, until it thickens, approximately 20 minutes.
- Add Raisins and Optional Toppings:
- Once the mixture is thickened, add 3/4 cup of golden or regular raisins and stir well.
- If desired, add drained pineapple, coconut, pecans, or any preferred nuts to customize the flavor of your Arroz Con Leche.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the creamy pudding to a serving bowl.
- Dust the top of the pudding with ground cinnamon for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve warm or chilled, and savor the delightful taste of this classic Mexican dessert.
Tips:
- For added richness, you can substitute some or all of the whole milk with heavy cream.
- Experiment with different toppings to create your own unique version of Arroz Con Leche.
- Serve the pudding garnished with fresh fruit slices or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant presentation.
FAQs:
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- While white rice is traditionally used in Arroz Con Leche, you can certainly experiment with brown rice for a nuttier flavor and chewier texture.
- How long does Arroz Con Leche last in the refrigerator?
- When stored in an airtight container, Arroz Con Leche can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat before serving, if desired.
- Can I make Arroz Con Leche ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the pudding ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Just be sure to stir well before serving to redistribute the flavors.