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Dessert

Arroz con Leche

This creamy and comforting Spanish rice pudding is a classic dessert. Short-grain rice is simmered slowly with milk, sugar, and citrus zest until tender and rich. A sprinkle of cinnamon finishes this delightful treat.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
2 hr 50 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
340 kcal
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VegetarianGluten-free

Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Arroz con Leche

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 100 gshort-grain rice, rinsed
  • 1 lwhole milk
  • 100 ggranulated sugar
  • 1 pcscinnamon stick
  • 1 pcslemon zest, from 1/2 lemon

garnish

  • 1 tspground cinnamon

Equipment

saucepan · serving bowls

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Combine the short-grain rice, whole milk, granulated sugar, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.

    Cook’s note: Using a heavy-bottomed pan helps prevent scorching the milk.

  2. 2

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Watch carefully to avoid boil-overs, especially with whole milk.

  3. 3

    Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes, stirring frequently, especially towards the end, until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency.

    About 40 min

    Cook’s note: The rice should absorb most of the milk and become very soft. The pudding will continue to thicken as it cools.

  4. 4

    Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick and lemon zest.

  5. 5

    Pour the arroz con leche into individual serving bowls or a large serving dish.

  6. 6

    Allow it to cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

    About 2 hr

    Cook’s note: Chilling enhances the creaminess and allows the flavors to meld.

  7. 7

    Before serving, sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
339.9kcal
Protein
9.8g
Carbs
57.3g
Fat
8.4g
Fibre
0.9g
Sugar
36.8g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover arroz con leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Arroz con leche is traditionally served cold, but can be gently warmed on the stovetop with a splash of milk if desired.

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