Mexican Rice Pudding
Mexican rice pudding is an ultra-creamy rice pudding lightly spiced with cinnamon. Served hot or cold arroz con leche is a simple and cozy Mexican dessert!
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup white rice , rinsed well
- 2-3 sticks cinnamon
- pinch fine sea salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon Mexican vanilla , or vanilla extract
Optional toppings: Raisins, Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar, Brown sugar, or Honey
Instructions
- Simmer rice. In a large pot, add 3 cups water, 2-3 cinnamon sticks, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the 1 cup rice and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and water has evaporated. Stir occasionally.
- Heat milks. In a medium saucepan, stir together 2 cups milk, 12 ounces evaporated milk and 12 ounces condensed milk over low heat until warm.
- Combine. Stir the milk mixture into the rice along with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the mixture has thickened to your liking. Stir frequently to keep rice from burning. Once thickened remove from heat. Stir in a couple more Tablespoons of milk if you need to thin it down.
- Rest. Let rest 15 minutes and remove cinnamon sticks before serving. Serve warm or cold and add your favorite toppings. I love to add a dusting of cinnamon sugar over the top.
Notes
Serving: If you serve the arroz con leche cold, you may want to mix in a Tablespoon or two of milk, as it will thicken as it cools.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon sticks are preferred but you can use 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon instead, if needed. If you'd like extra cinnamon flavor, you can add the cinnamon sticks with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to the rice while it cooks.
Storage: Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.
Reheat: Add a splash of milk to loosen the rice then reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until warm or in a saucepan on the stovetop.
Nutrition
Calories: 318kcal, Carbohydrates: 49g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 34mg, Sodium: 164mg, Potassium: 409mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 317IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 325mg, Iron: 0.4mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
