Arroz con Leche

Name: Arroz con Leche
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Guatemalan
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain rice; 4 cups whole milk; 1 cup water; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 cinnamon sticks; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup raisins; Pinch of salt; Ground cinnamon for garnish

Arroz con Leche (ah-ROHS kohn LEH-cheh)

Guatemalan Rice Pudding

⏱ Prep Time 5 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 288 kcal

A creamy, cinnamon-scented rice pudding made with whole milk, sugar, and raisins, served warm or chilled as Guatemala's most beloved everyday dessert.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 6.0g

Carbs 48.0g

Fat 8.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

heavy saucepan wooden spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: small bowl or cup

Garnishes: ground cinnamon, raisins

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain rice
4 cups whole milk
1 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup raisins
Pinch of salt
Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

1
Cook rice in water with cinnamon sticks until water is absorbed, about 12 min.
2
Add milk and sugar. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
3
Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, for 25-30 min until rice is very tender and mixture is creamy.
4
Stir in raisins, vanilla, and salt in the last 5 min.
5
Remove cinnamon sticks. Serve warm or chilled, dusted with ground cinnamon.

💡

Did You Know?

Guatemalan grandmothers say the secret to perfect arroz con leche is patience — you must stir it slowly and never rush the milk.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

heavy saucepan
wooden spoon

Garnishing

ground cinnamon, raisins

The Story Behind Arroz con Leche

Arroz con leche arrived with Spanish colonizers and became deeply rooted in Guatemalan home cooking. Unlike elaborate versions found elsewhere, the Guatemalan approach emphasizes simplicity: good milk, cinnamon, and patience. It is the dessert most associated with childhood memories and abuela's kitchen across the country.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed dessert, afternoon snack 📜 Origins: Spanish colonial era

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