We’ve fallen head over heels for Leche Poleada, a creamy Filipino rice pudding that’s as comforting as it gets. Hailing from the Philippines, this simple delight combines tender rice with rich milk and a touch of sweetness, offering a taste of tropical warmth in every spoonful.
It’s no wonder this dish has won hearts across generations—it’s quick to whip up and endlessly versatile. We love sharing recipes like this one that bring a bit of global flavor right into our kitchens, making every bite an adventure.
Ingredients
In our Leche Poleada recipe, we select fresh, high-quality ingredients that deliver the creamy texture and tropical sweetness defining this Filipino rice pudding. Let’s break down what you’ll need, ordered by how we use them in preparation.
- Glutinous rice (1 cup): We start with this as the base, rinsing it under cold water until clear to achieve the pudding’s signature sticky, tender consistency that makes every bite irresistibly smooth.
- Water (4 cups): Next, we use this to cook the rice, bringing it to a gentle boil for even absorption and a fluffy foundation.
- Evaporated milk (2 cups): Added after the rice cooks, this rich, velvety milk infuses Leche Poleada with its luxurious creaminess, evoking a warm, comforting embrace in every spoonful.
- Condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): We incorporate this for sweetness and depth, stirring it in to balance flavors and create a glossy finish that highlights the dish’s indulgent appeal.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup, adjustable): Blended in during the simmering stage, this provides a clean sweetness that complements the milk’s richness without overwhelming the natural rice flavors.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): We add this last for a subtle, aromatic enhancement that elevates the pudding’s tropical essence, leaving a lingering, inviting scent.
- Salt (a pinch): Just a touch to enhance overall flavors, ensuring our Leche Poleada strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.
For the best results, we recommend using full-fat versions of milk products to maximize the creamy sensory experience of this timeless dessert.
Required Equipment
To prepare our Leche Poleada with precision and ease, we need a few essential tools that ensure even cooking and a smooth, creamy texture. Just as our high-quality ingredients form the heart of this dish, the right equipment helps us achieve that perfect balance of tropical warmth and indulgence.
Here’s a list of the key equipment, organized by the order of use in the recipe process:
- Medium-sized saucepan: We start with this for cooking the glutinous rice and combining it with milk mixtures, as it provides even heat distribution to prevent scorching.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Essential for stirring the rice and ingredients throughout the cooking process, helping us maintain that creamy consistency without damaging the pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key for our ingredients like evaporated milk and sugar, so we rely on these to measure precisely and avoid any imbalances in flavor.
- Stove or cooktop: Our heat source for simmering the mixture to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld into the signature comforting qualities of Leche Poleada.
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional): If we want to refine the texture further, this comes in handy for straining the cooked rice before adding the milks, ensuring a silky-smooth final product.
By having these tools ready, we seamlessly transition from gathering ingredients to the cooking steps, making our Leche Poleada preparation straightforward and enjoyable.
Instructions
We guide you through preparing Leche Poleada with simple, precise steps that build on our gathered ingredients and tools for a creamy, comforting rice pudding. Let’s transform those fresh components into a tropical treat that delights the senses.
Prepare the Ingredients
First, we measure and prep our key ingredients to ensure even cooking and optimal texture. Gather glutinous rice, water, evaporated milk, condensed milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt as outlined earlier.
- Rinse 1 cup of glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear, removing excess starch to prevent clumping and achieve a silky consistency.
- Measure 2 cups of water for soaking, 1 can (12 oz) of evaporated milk for creaminess, 1 can (14 oz) of condensed milk for sweetness, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to balance flavors, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for aromatic depth, and a pinch of salt to enhance the overall taste.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water, letting it soak for 10 minutes to soften the grains and prepare for simmering.
Cook the Leche Poleada
We cook the mixture on the stove, stirring gently to develop its signature creamy texture and rich aroma that evokes tropical warmth.
- Place the saucepan with soaked rice and water over medium heat, bringing it to a boil while stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking—this step ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs flavors fully.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and add the evaporated milk, condensed milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring continuously for 15-20 minutes until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency—the air fills with a sweet, milky scent that promises indulgence.
- Maintain a gentle simmer, stirring every 2-3 minutes to avoid scorching and create a smooth, velvety texture that coats the spoon, allowing the rice to become tender and the flavors to meld into a harmonious, comforting blend.
Cool and Serve
Finally, we cool the pudding to set its creamy texture before serving, making it ready for a delightful experience.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the Leche Poleada cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to release steam and prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
- Transfer to serving bowls or a large dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up its luscious, tropical sweetness, enhancing the contrast of warm spices and cool creaminess.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh fruit if desired, inviting everyone to savor its smooth, comforting mouthfeel and balanced flavors.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the joys of preparing Leche Poleada is its make-ahead potential, allowing us to craft this creamy Filipino rice pudding in advance for effortless entertaining or busy days. We can simplify our meal planning by following these straightforward steps to maintain its silky texture and tropical sweetness.
Preparing for Make-Ahead
To optimize freshness, we always prepare Leche Poleada up to 24 hours ahead. After cooking the pudding as outlined in our step-by-step instructions, let it cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This prevents condensation, which could affect the creamy consistency.
Storage Guidelines
Once cooled, transfer the pudding to an airtight container. We recommend refrigeration as the primary method, as it preserves the dish’s indulgent, velvety mouthfeel. For longer storage, here’s a quick breakdown:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 3 days | Cover tightly to avoid drying; stir gently before serving to restore smoothness. |
| Freezing | Up to 1 month | Portion into freezer-safe containers; thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. |
Reheating and Serving Tips
When we’re ready to serve, reheating is simple and helps revive the pudding’s warm, comforting aroma. Gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until it reaches your desired temperature—aim for about 5 minutes to prevent scorching. If it thickens too much, add a splash of evaporated milk to recapture that signature creamy texture. For optimal flavor, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh fruit just before serving, enhancing the tropical notes without overwhelming the dish.
Conclusion
We’ve enjoyed guiding you through Leche Poleada’s simple joys. This Filipino favorite brings warmth and flavor that’s easy to love.
It’s perfect for sharing stories around the table.
Give it a go and make it your own – we’re sure it’ll become a cherished treat in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Leche Poleada?
Leche Poleada is a classic Filipino rice pudding that’s creamy and comforting, made with tender glutinous rice, milk, and sweetness. It’s popular for its simple preparation and tropical flavors, appealing to all ages as a versatile dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia.
What ingredients are needed for Leche Poleada?
Key ingredients include glutinous rice, water, evaporated milk, condensed milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Using fresh, high-quality items like full-fat milk ensures the best creamy texture and balanced tropical sweetness for this easy-to-make treat.
What equipment is required to make Leche Poleada?
You’ll need a medium-sized saucepan for cooking, a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a stove for simmering, and optionally a fine-mesh strainer for smooth texture. These tools help achieve even cooking and a perfect consistency.
How do you prepare Leche Poleada?
Start by rinsing glutinous rice, then combine it with water, milks, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan. Simmer while stirring until it thickens into a pudding-like texture. Cool and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Garnish with cinnamon or fruit for extra appeal—ready in under 30 minutes of active time.
Can Leche Poleada be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare Leche Poleada up to 24 hours in advance for easy entertaining. Cool it completely before refrigerating, where it stays fresh for up to three days, or freeze for up to a month. This makes it ideal for busy schedules while preserving its creamy texture.
How should Leche Poleada be stored?
Store cooled Leche Poleada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to a month in freezer-safe bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to maintain its smooth, creamy consistency.
What are some serving suggestions for Leche Poleada?
Serve chilled or at room temperature, topped with cinnamon, fresh fruit like mango, or nuts for added crunch. It’s great as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast. Pair it with coffee or tea to enhance its tropical notes, making it a versatile treat for any occasion.