There are different kinds of sweet rice variations in every culture. You can take leftover rice to make this amazingly fast and easy comfort food. A little bit of milk, added cinnamon, a few raisins, and some sugar to the pot of rice and you’ll be enjoying a nice Rice Pudding for breakfast (or dessert) for the week! Mexican Rice Pudding – After experimenting with different styles of rice pudding, I decided that I really love the Mexican version – Arroz con Leche. A bonus with this cultural version – replacing the sugar and some of the milk with evaporated and condensed milk allows you to cook the rice first, reducing the risk of burning the milk. Who likes burnt milk? I didn’t think so. 😉 Honestly, though, it is such an economical and delicious treat that any country that enjoys rice as a staple also has its own recipe for rice pudding.
What Is Arroz con Leche?
Rice pudding with style! It can either be a dessert or breakfast. It is simple, satisfying, and a great way to use leftover rice. The basic ingredients always include, of course, rice. Added to that are milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Other spices that take it over the top are cloves and cardamom (both are strong spices, so take it easy with them), vanilla extract, and orange or lemon peel.
Recipe Ingredients
Three Kinds of Milk Bonus Flavors
How to Make Arroz con Leche
Make the Rice
Prep: In a large saucepan, add water, rice, star anise, and cinnamon stick. (Photo 1)Heat: Place over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook until the rice is tender but firm. It should take about 13-15 minutes.
Add 3 Types of Milk
Drain: Drain the water from the rice using a sieve and discard the cinnamon stick. Return and Stir: Add the drained rice to the saucepan. Stir in the evaporated milk, condensed, and coconut milk. (Photos 2-5)
Soften the Rice Mixture
Simmer – Continue cooking over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce Heat and Stir Occasionally – Reduce the heat to low and cook, uncovered, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick, about 12-15 minutes, and rice is soft. Be careful not to let the rice burn. (Photos 6 & 7)
Finalize Flavors
Raisins and Bonus Ingredients – Add raisins and ground nutmeg spice, and stir to fully combine. (Photos 8 & 9)Transfer and Serve: Transfer the pudding to a serving bowl. Dust the top of the pudding with ground cinnamon, and serve warm or cold.
Substitute Ingredients
Making Ahead and Storage
Perfect for a make-ahead. It should last for up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge, though I’m pretty sure it will be gone long before that. If it gets too thick, just add a little milk when heating it up.
The Best Toppings
Arroz con Leche is an exquisite meal all by itself. However, if you want to kick it up a notch, feel free to add fresh fruit, toasted nuts, brown sugar, and/or a little honey.
More Easy Rice Meals
Yellow RiceCoconut RiceMushroom Rice One-Pot Lime Chicken Rice
Watch How to Make It
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