A warm, creamy delight with a hint of cinnamon, Arroz con Leche is a traditional dessert enjoyed across Latin America and Spain. This sweet rice pudding is comforting, simple to make, and perfect for any occasion!
Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
In a medium-sized pot, bring the rice and water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender.
Add the milk, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest (if using). Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer over low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy (about 20 minutes).
Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. Mix well and let cook for another 5 minutes.
Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon zest. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with ground cinnamon.
Notes
This recipe is highly customizable. You can add raisins, condensed milk, or a splash of coconut milk for extra richness. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days, adding a bit of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.