Creamy Arroz Con Leche (Mexican Rice Pudding) Recipe

Introduction

Arroz Con Leche is a comforting and creamy Spanish rice pudding that blends warm cinnamon, sweet milk, and tender rice into a delightful dessert. Perfect served warm or chilled, this traditional treat is easy to make and loved by all ages.

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)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• Ground cinnamon (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, cinnamon stick, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender but not broken.
3. Step 3: Add the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and raisins if using. Stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture back to a low simmer and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let it rest to thicken further. Serve warm sprinkled with ground cinnamon, or chill in the refrigerator and enjoy cold.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with cream or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth and spice.
• If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the sugar or sweetened condensed milk slightly.
• Soak the raisins in warm water or rum before adding to plump them up and add extra flavor.

Storage

Store Arroz Con Leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave if serving warm, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Long grain white rice works best for a creamy texture, but you can experiment with short grain rice for an even creamier pudding. Avoid instant or quick-cook rice, as the texture may not be ideal.

Can I make Arroz Con Leche vegan?

Yes, substitute dairy milks with plant-based alternatives like almond, coconut, or oat milk, and replace sweetened condensed milk with a vegan version or a mix of coconut milk and sugar.

Creamy Arroz Con Leche (Mexican Rice Pudding) Recipe

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4.7 from 79 reviews

Arroz Con Leche is a classic creamy Mexican rice pudding made with tender rice simmered in a mixture of whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk, flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, and optionally studded with plump raisins. This comforting dessert can be served warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for extra warmth and aroma.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick

Milk Mixture

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk (or half and half)

Sweeteners & Flavorings

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

To Serve

• Ground cinnamon (for serving)

Instructions

1. Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
2. Cook the Rice: In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, cinnamon stick, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally but gently to avoid breaking the grains, for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender.
3. Add Milk and Flavorings: Stir in the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and raisins if using. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4. Simmer to Thicken: Return the mixture to a low simmer and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let the pudding sit to thicken further. Serve warm or chilled. Before serving, sprinkle generously with ground cinnamon for extra flavor and aroma.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice removes excess starch for a creamier texture without clumping.
• Be gentle when stirring the rice to avoid breaking the grains.
• Adjust sugar according to sweetness preference, especially since sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness.
• Raisins add a nice texture contrast but can be omitted if preferred.
• Arroz Con Leche can be served warm for comfort or chilled as a refreshing treat.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Arroz con Leche, Mexican rice pudding, creamy rice dessert, cinnamon rice pudding, traditional Mexican dessert