Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rice
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove any excess starch. Drain well.
Step 2: In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, milk, and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: After 30 minutes, stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Let the rice pudding cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 6: If desired, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for garnish. Serve warm or chilled, and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
1. Creamy and Thick: If you prefer a creamier pudding, you can add a little bit more milk during the cooking process. Adjust the consistency to your liking by simmering for less or more time.
2. Flavor Enhancements: Rice pudding can be customized according to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with additions such as raisins, almonds, or even a hint of citrus zest.
3. Storage: Leftover rice pudding can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It may thicken further after refrigeration, so you can add a splash of milk when reheating to adjust the consistency.
Now that you have mastered the art of making rice pudding, treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting dessert. With its rich and creamy texture, arroz con leche is sure to become a favorite in your home. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to your liking. Enjoy your homemade rice pudding!