Arroz con Leche is the Spanish version of the well-known rice pudding. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert. And almost without fail, this dessert will make you feel closer to home with every spoon, especially when served warm… so simple, but so perfect!
Arroz con Leche Recipe
There are as many versions of Arroz con Leche in Latin America as there are abuelitas (grandmas). It is not rare that one family has two, or three, recipes in their repertoire. One from each grandma, plus one more from an aunt who thinks she is the cooking star of the family. The best part? None of the recipes are alike, but they are all delicious!
For example, many uses evaporated milk, some use sweetened condensed milk, and others just sugar. Some use an egg. Raisins, or coconut, are optional but common.
My take on this traditional dessert is very simple and easy to make. I use whole milk to cook the rice, not water. Sometimes, to make it even richer, I like to mix powdered milk with water. This gives me creamier milk with less water in it and works great. And I like to add gradually the milk, just like I do when cooking risotto. In my opinion, this is key to getting the rice to release its starch and create its own delicious creaminess.
Another of my secrets is that I let the rice pudding cool completely, and if it is too thick, often it is, I add heavy cream to achieve consistency my family likes.
There you go…All my Arroz con Leche secrets are revealed!
Ahhh… Arroz con Leche!! And don’t forget to add a dust of McCormick® ground cinnamon, which is 100 percent pure flavor, with no added fillers. McCormick® knows the best meals begin with the best ingredients, which is perfect to enhance the flavor of all my recipes, for that reason are a must in my kitchen!
Make-ahead Arroz con Leche
Arroz con Leche is an easy dessert to make ahead. It can be served hot, warm, or well-chilled. Either way, it’s going to knock everyone’s socks off.
Bring back your passion for baking, even if you cannot use eggs!
LOOKING FOR MORE SPANISH RECIPES? CHECK THESE OUT!
- Quick and Easy Paella
- Spanish Style Garlic Shrimp
- Easy Arroz con Leche [Recipe+Video]
- Tortilla Española
Arroz con Leche
Ingredients
- 5 cup ( 1. 2 L – 1200 ml) whole milk, warm
- 1 -2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 strips of lemon or lime zest
- ¼ cup (50 g) white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white rice (see notes)
- 7 oz (199 g) sweetened condensed milk (half can)
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
- Ground cinnamon to serve (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium-size saucepan, add 3 cups of milk, cinnamon sticks, lemon or lime zest, sugar, and salt; mix to combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat, uncovered. When it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low, add rice and cook for 10 – 15 more minutes or until milk is almost absorbed, stirring constantly.
- Then, add 1/2 cup of the remaining milk, keep stirring. When the milk has been absorbed, add 1/2 cup more of milk, repeat the process one more time. You'll be adding 1/2 cup at the time, waiting until it is absorbed to add the next one. With the last ½ cup of milk, add the sweetened condensed milk; mix well to combine. Cook for 2 -3 minutes, or thicken to the desired consistency. Keep in mind that as the rice cools down, it will thicken even more. Turn off the heat.
- Add butter and stir to incorporate.
- Let cool uncovered until it reaches the desired temperature. You can serve it hot, warm, or cold. It's totally up to you!
- Serve with ground cinnamon on top, if desired.
Video
LOOKING FOR MORE SPANISH RECIPES? CHECK THESE OUT!
- Quick and Easy Paella
- Spanish Style Garlic Shrimp
- Easy Arroz con Leche [Recipe+Video]
- Tortilla Española
Nutrition
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Disclosure: This was a sponsored post in partnership with McCormick®. However, all opinions expressed are my own as always. Thank you, though, for supporting them and the other brands which help make this site possible.
