Easy Arroz con Leche Recipe

Arroz con leche, a heartwarming traditional dessert, holds a special place within our culinary world. This easy arroz con leche recipe is the perfect balance of creamy indulgence and practicality. Whether you’re drawn to its comforting flavors or historical roots, this dish is bound to become a staple in your household.

As a child, I fondly remember my grandmother preparing this delightful treat every Sunday. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla would fill our home, creating an atmosphere of warmth and nostalgia. She always said it was the love she put into the dish that made it so special. Today, I carry on her tradition, sharing this comforting recipe with my loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: With just a few ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy and quick to make.
• Comforting: It brings a sense of homely warmth and sweet satisfaction in every spoonful.
• Versatile: Perfect for dessert, a snack, or even breakfast, it fits any occasion.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt it with your favorite flavors and dietary preferences.

Ingredients Notes

This traditional dessert calls for simple pantry staples like rice, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.

• Rice: Use short-grain rice for a creamy texture. Any generic white rice can also work if that’s what you have on hand.
• Milk: Whole milk is recommended for its richness, but you can substitute with almond or coconut milk for a lighter version.
• Sugar: Adjust to taste, and consider swapping with honey or agave syrup as a healthier alternative.
• Cinnamon and Vanilla: These elevate the flavor; fresh cinnamon sticks yield the best aroma.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This helps achieve the desired creamy consistency without being overly sticky.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine water and cinnamon sticks, and bring to a boil. Add rinsed rice to the boiling water. Reduce heat and simmer until water is nearly absorbed, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Once the water is mostly absorbed, add milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to the rice. Stir frequently, cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.

Step 4

Remove the cinnamon sticks from the pot. Taste the arroz con leche and adjust sweetness if needed, adding more sugar accordingly.

Step 5

Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. For a bit of elegance, garnish with ground cinnamon or a dusting of nutmeg before presenting.

Storage Options

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Variations & Substitutions

For a twist, add raisins, shredded coconut, or a dash of nutmeg. Lactose-free? Replace milk with coconut or almond milk. Adjust sugar quantities or use alternatives like agave syrup for a different sweetener profile.

Serving Suggestions

Arroz con leche shines as an after-dinner treat or comforting snack. Serve warm or chilled in individual dishes, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Pair with fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead? Absolutely! Although it may alter the texture slightly, brown rice is a healthier alternative. Ensure to increase cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to soften.

What if my arroz con leche seems too thick? No worries! Simply add more milk gradually while stirring over gentle heat until you achieve desired consistency.

Can I make this dish vegan? Yes! Substitute regular milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk, and enjoy a delicious vegan version of this classic dessert without compromising on flavor.

Easy Arroz con Leche Recipe

This creamy and delicious Arroz con Leche is a traditional Latin dessert made with simple ingredients and a touch of cinnamon.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
• ▢ 4 cups milk whole milk
• ▢ 1 cup sugar
• ▢ 1 stick cinnamon
• ▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• In a large saucepan, bring the milk, sugar, and cinnamon stick to a boil.
• Stir in the rice and reduce the heat to low.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Serve warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Notes

For a richer flavor, try using sweetened condensed milk as part of the milk content.