Transport yourself to the lush landscapes of Costa Rica with this delightful dessert - Arroz con Leche, or Rice Pudding. A beloved treat in Costa Rican cuisine, this creamy concoction offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making it a cherished comfort food for locals and a must-try for visitors. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate the comforting flavors of Costa Rica right in your own kitchen. So, let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the essence of Costa Rican culture through its beloved rice pudding recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Raisins (optional)
• Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

1- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

2- In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed rice, milk, water, cinnamon stick, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.

3- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4- Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes or until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency.

5- Stir in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until well combined. If using raisins, add them at this point.

6- Continue to cook the rice pudding for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the pudding has reached your desired consistency.

7- Remove the pot from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick.

Allow the rice pudding to cool slightly before serving. You can serve it warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

8- To serve, spoon the rice pudding into individual serving bowls and sprinkle with ground cinnamon for garnish.

9- Enjoy your delicious Costa Rican Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche) as a comforting dessert or snack!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Costa Rican Rice Pudding recipe:

1 cup long-grain white rice:

• Calories: 205
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Good source of carbohydrates for energy
• Contains some protein for muscle repair and growth
• Low in fat

4 cups whole milk:

• Calories: 600
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 32g
• Calcium: 1200mg

benefits:

• Excellent source of calcium for strong bones and teeth
• Provides protein for muscle maintenance and growth
• Contains fat for satiety and energy

1 cup water:

• No significant nutritional value

benefits:

• Essential for hydration and proper bodily functions
• Helps regulate body temperature
• Supports digestion and nutrient absorption

1 cinnamon stick:

• Negligible caloric content and nutrients

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and oxidative stress
• May help lower blood sugar levels
• Adds flavor without adding calories or sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon:

• Calories: 3
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties
• May improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar levels
• Adds warmth and flavor to dishes

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg:

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
• May have antibacterial properties
• Adds a unique flavor and aroma to dishes

1/2 cup granulated sugar:

• Calories: 387
• Carbohydrates: 99g

benefits:

• Provides quick energy in the form of carbohydrates
• Enhances flavor and sweetness of dishes
• Should be consumed in moderation due to high calorie content

1 teaspoon vanilla extract:

• Calories: 12
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g

benefits:

• Adds flavor and aroma to dishes
• May have antioxidant properties
• Can enhance mood and reduce stress

Pinch of salt:

• Negligible caloric content and nutrients

benefits:

• Essential for proper fluid balance and nerve function
• Enhances flavor of dishes
• Should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake

Raisins (optional):

• Calories: 130 (per 1/4 cup)
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Good source of natural sugars for energy
• Contains fiber for digestive health
• Provides some vitamins and minerals, such as iron and potassium

Ground cinnamon for garnish:

• Negligible caloric content and nutrients

benefits:

• Adds visual appeal to dishes
• Provides a hint of cinnamon flavor without adding calories or sugar

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, variety, and preparation methods. Additionally, the values provided are for the entire recipe, so if you divide the recipe into servings, you'll need to adjust accordingly.