Arroz con Leche, a beloved dessert across Latin America and Spain, is a creamy rice pudding infused with aromatic cinnamon and often brightened with hints of lemon zest. This timeless recipe traces its origins to Moorish Spain, where rice was introduced by the Moors during their centuries-long presence on the Iberian Peninsula. Over time, it evolved through cultural exchange, becoming a cherished comfort food in many Spanish-speaking countries. Simple yet comforting, arroz con leche remains a symbol of tradition and home, delighting generations with its rich flavors and creamy texture.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup white rice

- 4 cups whole milk

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Zest of 1 lemon

- Ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Method:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, milk, and cinnamon stick.

3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened.

4. Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Remove the cinnamon stick and discard.

6. Transfer the rice pudding to serving dishes or a large bowl, and let it cool to room temperature.

7. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.

8. Serve the arroz con leche cold, sprinkled with ground cinnamon on top for garnish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Value:

1. White Rice:

  - Calories: Approximately 206 kcal per cup (cooked)

  - Carbohydrates: Around 45 grams

  - Protein: Roughly 4 grams

  - Fat: Minimal, less than 1 gram

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Provides small amounts of B vitamins (especially niacin and thiamine) and minerals like manganese and magnesium.

  - Nutritional Benefit: White rice serves as the base for the dish, providing energy from carbohydrates and some essential nutrients, though it's relatively low in fiber and other micronutrients compared to whole grains.

2. Whole Milk:

  - Calories: Approximately 146 kcal per cup

  - Carbohydrates: About 12 grams

  - Protein: Around 8 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 8 grams

  - Sodium: Around 98 mg

  - Cholesterol: About 24 mg

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and phosphorus.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Whole milk adds creaminess and richness to the rice pudding while providing essential nutrients like calcium for bone health, protein for muscle repair, and vitamin D for calcium absorption.

3. Cinnamon Stick:

  - Calories: Minimal (negligible)

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains small amounts of manganese and dietary fiber.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cinnamon adds flavor without significant caloric contribution. It also offers antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Sugar:

  - Calories: Approximately 387 kcal per 1/2 cup

  - Carbohydrates: About 100 grams

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: No significant micronutrients.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Sugar provides sweetness to the dessert but offers little nutritional value beyond energy from carbohydrates.

5. Vanilla Extract:

  - Calories: Approximately 12 kcal per teaspoon

  - Carbohydrates: Around 0.5 grams

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Minimal, but may contain traces of B vitamins like niacin and riboflavin.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Vanilla extract enhances flavor without adding significant calories or nutrients.

6. Zest of 1 Lemon:

  - Calories: Minimal (negligible)

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains vitamin C and small amounts of fiber.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Lemon zest adds a burst of citrus flavor and aroma while providing some vitamin C and antioxidants.

7. Ground Cinnamon (for garnish):

  - Calories: Minimal (negligible)

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins & Minerals: Similar to cinnamon stick, contains small amounts of manganese and dietary fiber.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Ground cinnamon serves as a garnish, adding visual appeal and a hint of additional cinnamon flavor, along with potential health benefits like antioxidants.