Discover the delicious and easy-to-make Arroz con Leche, a traditional sweet rice pudding made with creamy milk, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for dessert lovers, this comforting dish can be enhanced with raisins for added flavor. Try our authentic recipe today!

Ingredients:

  - 1 cup long-grain white rice

  - 4 cups water

  - 4 cups whole milk

  - 1 cup granulated sugar

  - 1 cinnamon stick

  - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  - 1/4 teaspoon salt

  - 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

  - Ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions:

Rinse the Rice:Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.

Cook the Rice:

1-In a large pot, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil.

2-Add the rinsed rice and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the water is absorbed.

Prepare the Milk Mixture:In a separate pot, combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

Combine Rice and Milk:

1-Once the rice is cooked, remove any excess water. Pour the warm milk mixture over the cooked rice.

2-Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes. The mixture should thicken and become creamy.

Add Raisins (Optional):If using raisins, add them to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Remove from Heat:Once the arroz con leche has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick.

Serve:Serve warm or chilled. Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for garnish before serving.

Tips:

1-Stir the mixture frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

2-Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar.

3-For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the milk with sweetened condensed milk. Reduce the sugar if you do this.

Enjoy your creamy, comforting bowl of Arroz con Leche!

Nutritional Values :

Long-grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked):

  - Calories: 205

  - Carbohydrates: 45 grams

  - Protein: 4 grams

  - Fat: 0.4 grams

  - Fiber: 0.6 grams

benefits:

  - Good source of energy due to its high carbohydrate content.

  - Low in fat and cholesterol, making it heart-friendly.

  - Contains some essential nutrients like manganese, selenium, and magnesium.

Whole milk (4 cups):

  - Calories: 600

  - Carbohydrates: 48 grams

  - Protein: 32 grams

  - Fat: 32 grams

  - Calcium: 1200 mg

benefits:

  - Excellent source of calcium, promoting strong bones and teeth.

  - Provides protein for muscle repair and growth.

  - Contains vitamins A and D, essential for vision, immune function, and bone health.

  - Offers healthy fats necessary for energy and nutrient absorption.

Granulated sugar (1 cup):

  - Calories: 774

  - Carbohydrates: 200 grams

  - No significant protein, fat, or fiber

benefits:

  - Provides quick energy due to its simple carbohydrate content.

  - Enhances flavor and palatability of dishes.

  - Should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive sugar intake.

Cinnamon stick (1 stick, about 2.5 inches long):

  - Negligible calories, protein, fat, or carbohydrates

benefits:

  - Contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.

  - May help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

  - Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to dishes without adding calories or sodium.

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon):

  - Negligible calories, protein, fat, or carbohydrates

benefits:

  - Adds a rich, sweet flavor to dishes without additional sugar.

  - Contains small amounts of B vitamins like niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin.

  - May have calming effects on the nervous system.

Salt (1/4 teaspoon):

  - Negligible calories, protein, fat, or carbohydrates

benefits:

  - Essential for maintaining electrolyte balance and proper hydration.

  - Adds flavor to dishes and helps enhance other flavors.

Raisins (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 217

  - Carbohydrates: 57 grams

  - Protein: 2 grams

  - Fat: 0.5 grams

  - Fiber: 2 grams

benefits:

  - Good source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and regularity.

  - Contains natural sugars, providing a quick energy boost.

  - Rich in antioxidants, such as resveratrol, which may have heart-protective effects.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, cooking methods, and specific ingredients used.