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Arroz con Leche

A creamy Mexican rice pudding simmered slowly in whole milk with cinnamon and vanilla, finished with a dusting of ground cinnamon. Rich, comforting, and ready in under an hour on the stovetop.

45 minEasyServes 6290 cal/serving

MexicanDessertStovetopVegetarianGluten-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeNightshade-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp lime zest (or lemon zest)
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for serving)

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed long-grain white rice, 2 cups water, 2 cinnamon stick, and 1 tsp lime zest (or lemon zest). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and cook until the water is absorbed, about 12 minutes.

  2. 2

    Uncover the pan and add 4 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp fine sea salt. Stir well. Cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes until thick and creamy - the pudding should coat the back of a spoon.

  3. 3

    Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick, and stir in 1 tsp pure vanilla extract.

  4. 4

    Serve warm or at room temperature in individual bowls, dusted with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for serving). To serve cold, press plastic wrap onto the surface and refrigerate; stir in a splash of milk before serving.

Questions

Can I make Arroz con Leche dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 4 cups whole milk. Swap the milk for unsweetened oat or soy milk. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How long does Arroz con Leche keep?

Keep it covered in the refrigerator and eat it within three days.

Can I halve or double Arroz con Leche?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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