Arroz con Leche Recipe
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Arroz con Leche - Simmering long grain rice with fragrant cinnamon sticks establishes a comforting, aromatic baseline for this classic Latin dessert. Watch our step-by-step video guide below to master the perfect arroz con leche!
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cinnamon sticks, divided
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups milk
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk, can
- 12 oz evaporated milk, can
- Raisins
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer rice, 1 cinnamon stick, salt, and water for 15 mins.
- Add milks and second cinnamon stick; simmer on low, stirring frequently, for another 15 minutes.
- Cook 10-15 more minutes, stirring often, until desired consistency.
- Cool 15 minutes before serving with raisins.
Notes & Expert Tips
- 💡 Technique & Texture Tips
- Preventing a Skin : If you plan to refrigerate your dessert to serve it cold, press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding while it is still warm. This prevents a tough "skin" or film from forming on top.
- The Residual Starch Secret : Stirring frequently with a wooden spoon—especially during the final 10–15 minutes—does more than prevent burning. It actively forces the rice grains to rub together, releasing natural starches that make the pudding exceptionally velvety.
- How to Rescue a Thick Batch : Because rice continues to absorb liquid as it sits, leftovers can turn quite solid in the fridge. Do not worry if this happens; simply stir in a splash of warm whole milk or evaporated milk right before serving to restore its silky texture . 🍋 Flavor Upgrades & Variations
- The Citrus Twist : For a bright, authentic brightness that cuts through the heavy sweetness of the condensed milk, add a 2-inch strip of fresh lime, lemon, or orange peel into the pot during the initial water simmer. Just remember to fish the peel out before cooling!
- A Dash of Vanilla : Stirring in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract at the very end of cooking (right when you remove the lid) adds a rich, aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Warm Spice Additions : If you love a more complex spice profile, drop 2 to 3 whole cloves into the water with your first cinnamon stick.