Cuban Rice Pudding with Milk, known as Arroz con Leche in Spanish, is a beloved dessert in Cuban households. This creamy, sweet dish is made by cooking rice slowly in milk and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, giving it a comforting aroma and rich taste. It is enjoyed warm or chilled and can be garnished with cinnamon or raisins for an extra touch of flavor. While this dessert is popular across many Latin American countries, the Cuban version is particularly smooth and velvety, making it a standout comfort food.
Arroz con Leche has its origins in Spain, where it was introduced to Latin America during the colonial era. The Cuban version evolved over time, incorporating the island’s local ingredients like cinnamon and vanilla, which give the dish its distinctive aroma and taste. It has become a staple dessert in Cuban cuisine, often served during family gatherings and celebrations. The simplicity of the ingredients and the luxurious texture of the pudding make it a timeless favorite that has been passed down through generations.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- Cinnamon powder for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in cold water and drain it. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the water is absorbed.
2. Add the milk, cinnamon stick, and vanilla extract to the cooked rice. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
4. Remove the cinnamon stick and add the sugar, stirring until dissolved.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot rice mixture to temper the eggs, whisking continuously.
6. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring until thickened.
7. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with cinnamon powder.
Note:
1- If you want a thicker pudding, you can use 3 cups of milk instead of 2 cups.
2- You can also add raisins, shredded coconut, or nutmeg to the pudding for added flavor.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 cup white rice
- Calories: 205
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (thiamine, niacin)
- Minerals: Manganese, phosphorus
- Nutritional benefit: Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
2. 2 cups water
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Essential for hydration and digestion.
3. 2 cups whole milk
- Calories: 298
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, vitamin D, riboflavin
- Minerals: Calcium, potassium, phosphorus
- Nutritional benefit: Rich in calcium and protein for bone health.
4. 1 cinnamon stick
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin K
- Minerals: Manganese, calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar.
5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Adds flavor and may have antioxidant properties.
6. 1 cup sugar
- Calories: 774
- Carbohydrates: 200g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Provides quick energy but should be consumed in moderation.
7. 3 egg yolks
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Cholesterol: 370mg
- Vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, B12
- Minerals: Iron, phosphorus, selenium
- Nutritional benefit: Rich in protein and healthy fats for muscle repair.
8. Cinnamon powder for garnish
- Calories: 6 (per teaspoon)
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin K
- Minerals: Manganese, calcium
- Nutritional benefit: Enhances flavor and may support blood sugar regulation.
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