Traditional Arroz con Leche
Ingredients
- 1 cup Carolina® Basmati Rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons mescal
- ground cinnamon
Instructions
This traditional Arroz con Leche recipe is made with a secret weapon – mezcal infused raisins and cinnamon on top! All of the creamy goodness of your favorite traditional homemade dish with an added sorpresa.
Step 1
Rinse rice in cool water until water runs clear. Drain any excess water.Step 2
Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan.Step 3
Stir in the Basmati rice. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, uncovered.Step 4
Add the milk, cinnamon sticks, lime zest and sugar.Step 5
Return to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes.Step 6
Meanwhile, melt butter in a small skillet over low heat.Step 7
Add raisins and sauté 2 minutes. Turn off burner. Tilt skillet away from you and add mezcal.Step 8
Carefully light liquid and allow alcohol to burn off and flame to die.Step 9
When the rice is done, remove the cinnamon sticks.Step 10
Serve garnished with the mezcal infused raisins and ground cinnamon.
Homemade Tradition
Just like your abuela used to make, this traditional Arroz con Leche, or rice pudding recipe is homemade with milk, cinnamon, vanilla, lime zest, basmati rice and of course love.
In order to get the texture just right, you’ll need to start with the right rice. Basmati is a great option because it is a fragrant long grain rice that, when cooked, releases less starch so the texture is separate but also absorbs the great flavors. You can also try this recipe with white rice.
Although you may not expect it, the lime zest provides a nice citrus touch without overpowering the flavor. If you don’t have a lime on hand, sub in lemon zest or even orange zest. You’ll also want to use fresh cinnamon sticks as that will give your dish the best flavor. If you only have powdered cinnamon, make sure to use it to taste and add some in at the end if the flavor is not as strong as you like.
Once you master the classic version, try out other rice pudding recipes like a chocolate version or Pumpkin Spice Latte, or for something more savory this arroz chaufa recipe.
Sorpresa!
That’s right, this version of your favorite Arroz con leche is an adult version topped with Mezcal infused raisins.
Mezcal is a Mexican distilled alcoholic beverage made from agave. Many people compare it to tequila, however the two are not one in the same. There are many differences but mainly they are distilled differently and may result in different flavors. Try it out with your favorite version or If you want to make some plates alcohol free leave them off or top with uncooked raisins.
