Heavenly Peruvian Arroz Con Leche
Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of Heavenly Peruvian Arroz Con Leche, a traditional rice pudding that transcends cultural boundaries. Originating from the heart of Peru, this dessert offers a delightful fusion of flavors thanks to the unique addition of ground cloves and shredded coconut, as cherished by my husband's mother. Perfect for gatherings or celebrations, this recipe serves a crowd with ease while staying gentle on the wallet. The aromatic spices, especially the warm notes of cinnamon and cloves, fill your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance as it cooks. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, this delectable treat is bound to impress and spark joy, earning its rightful place at any dessert table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked long grain white rice
3 cups (Rinsed and drained)
ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons (None)
ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon (None)
vanilla extract
2 tablespoons (None)
evaporated milk
1 (12 ounce) can (None)
sweetened condensed milk
1 (14 ounce) can (None)
shredded coconut
2/3 cup (None)
raisins
2/3 cup (None (optional, adjust to taste))
sugar
2 cups (Approximately, adjust to taste (white or brown or a combination))
Instructions
1
In a large kettle, bring about 3 liters of water to a rolling boil. Add the uncooked long grain white rice, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves, stirring to combine.
2
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the kettle. Cook for approximately 40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and very tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the mixture becomes too thick and sticky before the rice is cooked, gradually add boiling water as needed.
3
Once the rice is cooked, remove the kettle from the heat. Stir in the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, raisins, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
4
Taste the mixture to adjust the sweetness to your liking, noting that it will taste sweeter when warm than when chilled.
5
Scoop the rice pudding into individual dessert dishes or disposable cups. Serve warm, or allow to cool before refrigerating. The pudding can be enjoyed cold and will stay fresh in the fridge for a few days. If liquid separates on top after a day or two, simply stir it back into the pudding before serving.
6
For picky eaters or those with allergies, prepare the rice pudding without the raisins and coconut first. Once portions are set aside for these individuals, mix the remaining ingredients into the bulk of the pudding and serve. Remember to label the dishes so everyone knows which is which!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Peruvian Arroz Con Leche?
It is a rich and creamy traditional Peruvian rice pudding that features unique additions like ground cloves and shredded coconut.
What makes this Peruvian version of Arroz Con Leche unique?
This specific version is distinguished by the aromatic fusion of ground cloves and shredded coconut, a family secret passed down from the author's mother-in-law.
How much water is needed to boil the rice?
You should start by bringing approximately 3 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large kettle.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of uncooked long grain white rice, which should be rinsed and drained before use.
What spices provide the fragrance for this pudding?
The primary aromatic spices used are 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves.
How long should the rice cook?
The rice should be simmered for approximately 40 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and very tender.
Should I cover the pot while the rice cooks?
Yes, you should reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the kettle after adding the rice and spices.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the kettle?
It is important to stir the mixture occasionally during the 40-minute simmering process to prevent sticking.
What should I do if the rice mixture becomes too thick?
If the mixture becomes too thick and sticky before the rice is fully cooked, gradually add boiling water as needed.
When do I add the milk components?
Once the rice is fully cooked and removed from the heat, you can stir in the evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk.
What kind of milks are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one 12-ounce can of evaporated milk and one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.
Is coconut a required ingredient?
The recipe includes 2/3 cup of shredded coconut for a traditional flavor, though it can be omitted for those with allergies.
Are raisins included in this Arroz Con Leche?
Yes, 2/3 cup of raisins are included, but they are optional and can be adjusted to taste.
When is the vanilla extract added?
Add 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract at the end, after the rice is cooked and the milks have been stirred in.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe suggests approximately 2 cups of sugar, though you should adjust this to your personal preference.
What type of sugar should I use?
You can use white sugar, brown sugar, or a combination of both to achieve your desired flavor profile.
Does the pudding taste sweeter warm or cold?
The pudding will naturally taste sweeter when it is warm than when it is chilled, so keep this in mind when tasting for sweetness.
Can I serve this dessert warm?
Yes, Arroz Con Leche is delicious served warm immediately after preparation.
Can this pudding be served cold?
Absolutely. You can allow the pudding to cool and then refrigerate it to be enjoyed as a cold treat.
How long can I store Arroz Con Leche in the fridge?
The pudding will stay fresh in the refrigerator for a few days.
What should I do if liquid separates on top of the pudding?
If liquid separates after a day or two in the fridge, simply stir it back into the pudding before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a large group?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to serve a crowd with ease, making it a great 'crowd-pleaser' for gatherings.
How can I adapt this for picky eaters?
Prepare the base rice pudding first, set aside portions before adding raisins and coconut, and label them clearly.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it is described as an economical dessert that stays gentle on the wallet despite its rich flavor.
What is the preparation for the rice?
The 3 cups of rice should be rinsed and drained thoroughly before being added to the boiling water.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as a dessert, peruvian, rice pudding, arroz con leche, and a traditional family recipe.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
The specific calorie count is not provided in the nutritional data for this recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used to create this Heavenly Peruvian Arroz Con Leche.
What is the cultural origin of the dish?
The dish originates from the heart of Peru, representing a traditional and beloved Latin American dessert.
How should I portion the pudding for serving?
You can scoop the pudding into individual dessert dishes or disposable cups for easy serving at celebrations.