Arroz con Leche

Arroz con Leche holds a special place in my heart, evoking memories of my childhood spent with family gatherings. The scent of sweetened rice simmering with spices filled our home, creating an inviting atmosphere that promised comfort and warmth. As a child, I would often stand by the kitchen counter, watching my grandmother skillfully prepare this delightful Dominican rice pudding. Her secret was always in the perfect balance of milk, sugar, and spices, which transformed simple ingredients into a deliciously creamy dessert. Every spoonful brought joy and nostalgia, making it a beloved dish that transcended generations. Now, as I recreate this family recipe, I find myself reminiscing about the stories shared around the table, where laughter and love blended seamlessly with the flavors of the Arroz con Leche. This pudding isn’t just a dessert; it’s a cherished tradition that I am proud to pass on.

Recipe Ingredients for Arroz con Leche

The ingredients for Arroz con Leche are simple yet powerful. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich flavor and creamy texture that we all adore. The key players include the rice, which serves as the foundation, and evaporated milk, which provides a luscious creaminess. Together with sugar, cinnamon, and other spices, these ingredients come together to create a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting.

• 1 cup rice
• 6 cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks (or 1½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon)
• 6 cups water, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups evaporated milk
• 1 cup sugar (white, granulated)
• ¼ cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (freshly-grated)
• Cherries for decoration (optional)

The Process for Making Arroz con Leche

Making Arroz con Leche is a rewarding experience that fills your home with delightful aromas. Follow these steps, and you’ll soon have a creamy dessert that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the process!

1. In a medium saucepan or pot, soak the rice, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in 2 cups of water and let it sit for a couple of hours. This step is optional, but I find it helps to enhance the flavors and achieve the right texture.

2. Once the soaking time is complete, add the remaining 4 cups of water to the pot. Make sure to include all the soaking water, cinnamon, and cloves. This will deepen the flavor of the pudding.

3. Next, add salt and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stir regularly to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The goal is to cook until the rice is tender, which should take about 20 minutes.

4. After the rice is tender, lower the heat and add evaporated milk and sugar. Stir gently and patiently as the mixture begins to thicken.

5. As it starts to boil again, toss in the raisins. Cook over low heat while stirring until it reaches a pudding-like consistency, which may take another 15 to 20 minutes.

6. Once thickened, remove it from the heat. Carefully take out the cloves and cinnamon sticks to avoid any surprises later.

7. Add in the butter and mix well until melted and fully incorporated. This adds a richness that makes the pudding irresistible.

8. Cover the pot and let it cool down to room temperature. As it cools, stir occasionally to incorporate any crust that forms.

9. When ready to serve, ladle the Arroz con Leche into small bowls. Sprinkle with nutmeg and decorate with cherries for a delightful presentation.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

This Arroz con Leche recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen. Here are some suggestions to personalize your pudding!

• Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The pudding will keep well for up to three days. Just reheat gently before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze Arroz con Leche for up to two months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it slowly on the stovetop.
• Texture Adjustments: If you prefer a creamier pudding, add more evaporated milk during cooking. For a thicker pudding, reduce the milk content a bit.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices, like cardamom or a hint of citrus zest for a unique twist.
• Garnishes: Top your pudding with toasted coconut, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair.

What to Pair With Arroz con Leche

When it comes to serving Arroz con Leche, there are several delightful pairings that can elevate the experience. Consider these options:

• Fresh Fruits: Pair your pudding with sliced bananas or berries for a refreshing contrast.
• Side Dishes: Serve alongside savory dishes like empanadas or tostones for a balanced meal.
• Holiday Treats: Arroz con Leche is perfect for festive occasions, complementing traditional dishes during celebrations.
• Warm Beverages: Enjoy with a cup of warm café con leche or your favorite herbal tea.
• Comforting Evenings: This dessert makes a perfect ending to a cozy dinner with loved ones.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Arroz con Leche recipe is a wonderful blend of flavors and memories, making it a timeless dessert. Its creamy texture and delightful sweetness will surely win over your heart and the hearts of your loved ones. I encourage you to give it a try and create your own memories around the table. You’ll find that it’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings people together.

Arroz con Leche

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Arroz con Leche. Made with simple ingredients, this easy weeknight dinner dessert will fill your home with warmth and joy. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, you'll want to make this tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine Dominican

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Large Pot

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup rice
• 6 cloves cloves
• 4 sticks cinnamon or 1½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 6 cups water divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups evaporated milk
• 1 cup sugar (white, granulated)
• ¼ cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (freshly-grated)
• Cherries for decoration (optional)

Instructions

 

• In a medium saucepan or pot, soak the rice, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in 2 cups of water and let sit for a couple of hours. This step is optional, and it helps enhance the flavors.
• When the soaking time is complete, add the remaining 4 cups of water to the pot. Make sure to include all the soaking water, cinnamon, and cloves.
• Next, add salt and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stir regularly to prevent the rice from sticking. Cook until the rice is tender, which should take about 20 minutes.
• After the rice is tender, lower the heat and add evaporated milk and sugar. Stir gently as the mixture begins to thicken.
• As it starts to boil again, toss in the raisins. Cook over low heat while stirring until it reaches a pudding-like consistency, which may take another 15 to 20 minutes.
• Once thickened, remove it from the heat. Carefully take out the cloves and cinnamon sticks.
• Add in the butter and mix well until melted and incorporated. This adds richness to the pudding.
• Cover the pot and let it cool down to room temperature. Stir occasionally to incorporate the crust that forms.
• When ready to serve, ladle your Arroz con Leche into small bowls. Sprinkle with nutmeg and decorate with cherries.

Notes

• Texture Variation: Each family has its preferred consistency for Arroz con Leche.
• Flavor Enhancement: For deeper flavor, consider using whole spices.
• Serving Suggestions: Enjoy warm or cold, depending on your preference.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
• Customization: Add other ingredients like coconut or vanilla to enhance flavor.

Keyword Arroz con Leche Recipe, Creamy Rice Dessert, Dominican Rice Pudding, Easy Rice Pudding