Imagine a dessert so rich, so comforting, that it transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico with just one spoonful. This gluten-free Mexican Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche) is not just a dessert – it's a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. Whether you're craving a sweet treat after dinner or looking for a nostalgic comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, ensuring a cleaner and fluffier final texture.
- In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir ingredients gently to ensure even distribution.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, stirring every 3-5 minutes to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking of the rice.
- Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- If using raisins, add them during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to allow them to plump and integrate into the pudding.
- Remove from heat and let the pudding cool for 10-15 minutes. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Transfer to serving dishes and optionally garnish with an extra sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few additional raisins.
- Serve warm or chilled, depending on personal preference. Can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Tips
- Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a smoother, creamier texture.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent rice from sticking and to create a consistent creamy consistency.
- For extra richness, consider using whole milk or even adding a splash of condensed milk.
- Don't rush the cooking process – low and slow is the key to developing deep, rich flavors.
- Customize your pudding by adding optional ingredients like a pinch of nutmeg, orange zest, or topping with toasted almonds.
- If the pudding becomes too thick while cooling, you can thin it out with a little extra milk.
- For a more authentic touch, serve in traditional clay bowls or small ceramic dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
