We’ve always been captivated by Arroz Con Leche, the creamy Colombian rice pudding that’s a beloved staple in Latin American homes. This comforting dessert transforms simple ingredients into a sweet delight that evokes family gatherings and warm memories.
Originating from Colombia’s rich culinary traditions it’s not just rice and milk—it’s a hug in a bowl. We’ll guide you through our easy recipe so you can bring a taste of Colombia to your kitchen and impress your loved ones with authentic flavors.
Ingredients
As we dive into crafting our authentic Arroz Con Leche Colombian recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients that bring this creamy rice pudding to life. We’ve organized them in the order they are used to ensure a smooth preparation process, with precise measurements and any necessary prep notes for accuracy.
- Rice: 1 cup of long-grain white rice, rinsed under cold water to remove excess starch and ensure a fluffy texture.
- Water: 2 cups of water, used for initially cooking the rice to achieve the perfect base consistency.
- Milk: 4 cups of whole milk, which we add after the rice is partially cooked to create that signature creamy richness.
- Sweetened condensed milk: 1 can (14 ounces), stirred in to enhance sweetness and add a velvety smoothness that defines Arroz Con Leche.
- Evaporated milk: 1 can (12 ounces), incorporated for extra creaminess and to balance the flavors in this Colombian favorite.
- Sugar: ½ cup of granulated sugar, adjusted to taste for that ideal level of sweetness we love in traditional desserts.
- Cinnamon sticks: 2 whole sticks, infused during simmering to impart warm, aromatic notes that evoke family gatherings.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, pure extract preferred, added towards the end to brighten the flavors and tie everything together.
- Salt: A pinch (about ¼ teaspoon), which we use to enhance the overall taste without overpowering the natural sweetness.
This selection of ingredients highlights the simple yet flavorful profile of Arroz Con Leche, allowing us to recreate the comforting essence of Colombian cuisine right in our kitchens.
Equipment Needed
Now that we have gathered our essential ingredients for this authentic Arroz Con Leche Colombian recipe, let’s prepare the basic equipment to ensure a smooth cooking process. We recommend using simple, everyday kitchen tools that help achieve the creamy texture and rich flavors without complications.
To make our Arroz Con Leche, you’ll need the following equipment. We’ve organized them in the order of use for efficiency:
- Medium-sized saucepan: This is our go-to pot for simmering the rice and milks together, allowing even heat distribution to prevent scorching and create that signature creamy consistency.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Ideal for stirring the mixture gently, as we prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom and ensure thorough blending of flavors.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our recipe’s success, so use these to portion out rice, liquids, and seasonings precisely.
- Stove or cooktop: A standard heat source for cooking; we suggest a gas or electric stove to maintain consistent temperatures during the simmering process.
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional): If we want a smoother pudding, this helps strain the mixture before serving, removing any unwanted grains for a velvety finish.
With these tools in hand, we can move forward confidently to prepare our delightful Arroz Con Leche, turning simple ingredients into a comforting Colombian dessert.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our essential ingredients and tools, let’s walk through the steps to create our authentic Arroz Con Leche, a creamy Colombian rice pudding that captures the warmth and comfort of traditional Latin American flavors. We promise a straightforward process that yields a rich, aromatic dessert everyone will love.
Prep the Ingredients
Before we start cooking, proper preparation ensures our Arroz Con Leche turns out perfectly smooth and flavorful. Begin by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch and prevents a gummy texture. Next, measure out 4 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of evaporated milk, and 1 cup of condensed milk—these will create the signature creamy base. Gather 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt, placing them nearby in the order we’ll use them. For added depth, if you have it, prepare optional citrus zest from one orange or lime by grating it finely.
Cook the Rice
With ingredients prepped, we now combine them to build the rich flavors of our Arroz Con Leche. In a medium-sized saucepan, add the rinsed rice, 4 cups of whole milk, the cinnamon stick, and the pinch of salt; bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to avoid sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally as the rice absorbs the milk and releases a warm, cinnamon-infused aroma that fills the kitchen. After the rice has softened, stir in the 1 cup of evaporated milk, 1 cup of condensed milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens to a velvety, pudding-like consistency that coats the back of your spoon, evoking the comforting essence of Colombian family traditions.
Cool and Serve
Once the rice is fully cooked, we need to cool it properly to enhance its creamy texture and flavors. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the Arroz Con Leche cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to release steam and prevent a skin from forming. For the best results, transfer it to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and firm up, allowing the aromatic spices to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, portion into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or fresh fruit like sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast, turning this simple dessert into a delightful, shareable treat that highlights the heart of Colombian cuisine.
Make-Ahead and Storage
One of the beauties of Arroz Con Leche is its flexibility for busy schedules, allowing us to prepare this creamy Colombian rice pudding ahead of time without sacrificing its rich, comforting flavors. Let’s explore how we can make it in advance and store it properly to keep that velvety texture and warm cinnamon notes intact.
Making Ahead
We recommend preparing Arroz Con Leche a day or two in advance to let the flavors meld and deepen, transforming it into an even more irresistible dessert. Here’s how we do it:
- Step 1: Complete the cooking process up to the point where the pudding has cooled to room temperature, as outlined in our earlier steps. This ensures the rice absorbs all the milky goodness without overcooking.
- Step 2: Once cooled, transfer the pudding to an airtight container. For best results, cover the surface with plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent a skin from forming, preserving that smooth, luxurious consistency.
- Step 3: Refrigerate immediately. Making ahead not only saves time but also enhances the dish’s authentic Colombian essence, making it perfect for family gatherings or quick weeknight treats.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to maintaining the fresh, aromatic appeal of Arroz Con Leche. Here’s a breakdown of the best practices:
- Refrigeration: Store the pudding in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. Always stir before serving to restore its creamy texture and release those enticing vanilla and cinnamon aromas.
- Freezing: If you need longer storage, Arroz Con Leche can be frozen for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers to avoid texture changes upon thawing—just be mindful that freezing may slightly alter its silky smoothness.
- Reheating: To revive leftovers, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk, stirring constantly until heated through. In the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to keep it from becoming rubbery.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 3-5 days | Best for maintaining fresh flavor and texture; stir before serving. |
| Freezing | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight in the fridge; reheat gently to preserve creaminess. |
Conclusion
We’ve cherished guiding you through this Arroz Con Leche adventure, a dish that brings families together with its comforting embrace.
It’s our favorite way to celebrate simple ingredients turning into heartfelt moments.
Give it a try and let this Colombian classic weave its magic in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arroz Con Leche?
Arroz Con Leche is a creamy Colombian rice pudding, a beloved dessert in Latin American culture. It’s more than just rice and milk—it’s a comforting treat that brings back memories of family gatherings and warm traditions. This easy recipe lets you recreate authentic flavors at home to share with loved ones.
How do you make Arroz Con Leche?
To make Arroz Con Leche, start by cooking long-grain white rice with milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan until creamy. Prep ingredients first, simmer on the stove, then cool and chill. The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes, resulting in a rich, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.
What ingredients are needed for Arroz Con Leche?
You’ll need long-grain white rice, whole milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, and salt. These simple ingredients create the pudding’s creamy texture and rich flavor—rice provides the base, while milks and spices add sweetness and warmth.
What equipment is required to make Arroz Con Leche?
Essential tools include a medium-sized saucepan for cooking, a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a stove. An optional fine-mesh strainer helps with smoothness. These everyday items make the process straightforward and efficient.
How do you store Arroz Con Leche?
Store Arroz Con Leche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days to keep it fresh. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain its creamy texture.
Can you make Arroz Con Leche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Arroz Con Leche a day or two in advance. It actually tastes better as flavors meld. After cooking, cool it completely, then refrigerate. This makes it ideal for busy schedules, and you can reheat it easily while preserving its authentic, comforting essence.