Chacha's Velvet Cuban Rice Pudding
Chacha's Velvet Cuban Rice Pudding is a cherished family dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of creamy rice, aromatic spices, and a hint of citrus. Growing up, my aunt Chacha dedicated her evenings to perfecting traditional Cuban recipes, preparing meals from scratch and using only the freshest ingredients. This delightful arroz con leche is reminiscent of my childhood, evoking memories of family gatherings and joyous celebrations. Rich, velvety, and topped with a dusting of cinnamon, it's the perfect ending to any meal, served warm or chilled for a refreshing treat.
8
Servings
262.5
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rice
1/2 cup (rinsed)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure vanilla extract)
Cinnamon stick
1 (whole)
Lemon zest
to taste (freshly grated (optional))
Water
1 1/2 cups (for boiling)
Milk
4 1/4 cups (whole milk preferred)
Sugar
1 cup (granulated)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to enhance sweetness)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, lemon zest (if using), vanilla extract, and the cinnamon stick.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, covering the saucepan, and simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the water, about 15-20 minutes.
3
Stir in the milk, sugar, and salt. Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency, about 40-60 minutes.
4
Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Pour the pudding into a Pyrex dish.
5
Sprinkle the top with ground cinnamon for garnish. Optionally, you can leave the lemon zest and cinnamon stick in the dish for additional flavor.
6
Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled, garnished with extra cinnamon if desired.
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
43g
Carbs
5.875g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chacha's Velvet Cuban Rice Pudding?
It is a traditional family dessert known as Arroz con Leche, featuring creamy rice, aromatic spices, and a hint of citrus.
Who is the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the author's aunt Chacha, who perfected traditional Cuban recipes using fresh ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What are the primary flavor components?
The main flavors include creamy milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and lemon zest.
How many calories are in one serving of this rice pudding?
Each serving contains approximately 262.5 calories.
What type of milk is recommended for this recipe?
Whole milk is preferred to achieve a rich and velvety consistency.
Is there any citrus in Chacha's Velvet Cuban Rice Pudding?
Yes, the recipe uses freshly grated lemon zest for a hint of citrus flavor.
Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?
Yes, the instructions specify using 1/2 cup of rinsed rice.
How much sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of granulated sugar.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 8.75g of fat.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 5.875g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dessert?
Each serving contains 43g of carbohydrates.
How long does the rice simmer in water?
The rice simmers in water for about 15 to 20 minutes until tender.
How long does it take for the pudding to thicken once milk is added?
The mixture takes between 40 to 60 minutes to thicken to a creamy consistency.
What spices are included in the cooking process?
The pudding is cooked with a whole cinnamon stick and vanilla extract.
What is used as a garnish for the final dish?
The pudding is garnished with a dusting of ground cinnamon.
Should the rice pudding be served warm or cold?
It can be enjoyed either warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
What should I do with the cinnamon stick after cooking?
You should remove and discard the cinnamon stick before pouring the pudding into a dish.
Is the lemon zest mandatory?
No, the lemon zest is optional and can be added to taste.
How much water is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of water for boiling the rice.
What kind of vanilla extract should be used?
Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor.
Why is salt added to the rice pudding?
A 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to enhance the sweetness of the dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients required for this recipe.
What type of dish is recommended for serving?
The recipe suggests pouring the finished pudding into a Pyrex dish.
Is this recipe considered a holiday treat?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday treat and is associated with joyous celebrations.
How often should I stir the pudding while it thickens?
You should stir the mixture occasionally as it cooks over medium heat.
What is the first step of the preparation?
The first step is to combine rinsed rice, water, lemon zest, vanilla, and a cinnamon stick in a saucepan.
What is the cultural origin of this recipe?
This recipe is part of Cuban cuisine.
Can I leave the cinnamon stick in for garnish?
Yes, while typically discarded, you can optionally leave it in the dish for additional flavor and presentation.
What is the texture of the finished pudding?
The finished pudding has a rich, velvety, and creamy consistency.