Arroz con Leche

Name: Arroz con Leche
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
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)

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

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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

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

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

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

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Arroz con Leche?

As written, 45 minutes: 5 of prep and 40 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 2 (30 minutes): "Cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes until thick and creamy - the pudding should coat the back of a spoon."

How do I know when Arroz con Leche is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 2: cook until thick and creamy - the pudding should coat the back of a spoon.

Can I make Arroz con Leche dairy-free?

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

Is Arroz con Leche vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 4 cups whole milk. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

How many calories are in Arroz con Leche?

One serving (the recipe makes 6) is about 290 calories, with 6 g protein, 48 g carbohydrate and 4 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 180 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Serve it with

Horchata drink
Michelada drink
Chicha Morada Spiced Purple Corn Drink drink

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