Indulge in the rich flavors of Central America with our authentic El Salvador Horchata. Crafted from the finest ingredients, including rice, cinnamon, and vanilla, our Horchata offers a delightful blend of sweetness and spice. Each sip transports you to the vibrant streets of El Salvador, where this beloved beverage has been cherished for generations. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite dish, our Horchata promises a refreshing taste of tradition in every sip. Experience the essence of El Salvador with every pour.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 4 cups water, divided
• 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• Optional: Ground cinnamon for garnish
• Optional: Ice cubes for serving

Instructions:

1- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.

2- In a blender, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and the cinnamon stick. Blend until the rice is broken down but not completely smooth, about 1-2 minutes.

3- Transfer the rice mixture to a large bowl and add the remaining 2 cups of water. Stir well to combine.

4- Cover the bowl and let the mixture soak at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to soften.

5- After soaking, remove the cinnamon stick if used.

6- Blend the rice mixture again until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

7- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.

8- Discard the solids left in the sieve.

9- Stir in the vanilla extract and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

10-Chill the Horchata in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

11- Serve the Horchata over ice cubes, if desired, and sprinkle with ground cinnamon for garnish.

12- Stir well before serving as the rice sediment may settle at the bottom.

Enjoy your homemade El Salvador Horchata, a deliciously refreshing beverage with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice!

Nutritional Values:

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

• Calories: 205
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Protein: 4 grams
• Fat: 0.5 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram

benefits

• Rich source of carbohydrates for energy
• Contains essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins
• May aid in digestion due to its fiber content

Cinnamon stick (1 stick):

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram

benefits

• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation
• May help regulate blood sugar levels
• Has antimicrobial properties that can support overall health

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 12
• Carbohydrates: 0.5 grams
• Sugars: 0.5 grams

benefits

• Adds flavor without adding calories or sugar
• Contains small amounts of B vitamins and minerals like potassium and manganese
• Can elevate mood and reduce stress due to its pleasant aroma

Granulated sugar (3/4 cup):

• Calories: 480
• Carbohydrates: 124 grams
• Sugars: 124 grams

benefits

• Provides a quick source of energy
• Enhances flavor and sweetness of foods and beverages
• Should be consumed in moderation as excess sugar intake can lead to health issues like weight gain and dental problems

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand and specific ingredients used. Additionally, the nutritional values are based on the quantities specified in the recipe.