What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of rice
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Step 1: Rinse and Soak the Rice
Begin by rinsing the rice under cold water to remove any excess starch. Then, place the rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Let it soak for about 15 minutes to soften the grains.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to a medium-sized saucepan. Add the milk and cinnamon stick to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Simmer and Stir
Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cook for about 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and the mixture thickens.
Step 4: Sweeten and Flavor
Add the sugar and vanilla extract to the saucepan and stir until well combined. Continue to cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Remove the cinnamon stick from the arroz con leche. Spoon the rice pudding into individual serving bowls or dishes. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before garnishing with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Arroz con leche can be enjoyed warm or chilled, so choose your preference. Serve it as is or add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Either way, you’ll be treated to a dessert that’s creamy, soothing, and downright delicious!
Ready to give this classic Latin American dessert a try? Gather the ingredients, follow our step-by-step guide, and get ready to savor the delightful flavors of arroz con leche. We guarantee it will become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!