Dominican Rice Pudding

Ingredients

• 1 Tasse Long-grain rice
• 4 Tassen Whole milk
• 1 Dose (400ml) Sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 Tasse Granulated sugar
• 1/2 TL Salt
• 1 Stange Cinnamon stick
• 1/2 TL Ground nutmeg
• 1/2 TL Vanilla extract
• 1/4 Tasse Raisins (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve. Repeat this process several times until the draining water is completely clear. Removing excess starch is crucial for achieving a creamy rice pudding consistency and prevents stickiness. Be careful not to rub the rice too vigorously to keep the grains intact.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the whole milk, condensed milk, sugar, salt, and the entire cinnamon stick. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it is just about to boil. Then, add the rinsed rice. Stir thoroughly to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom and to ensure even distribution. This step is crucial to avoid scorching.
3. Immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let the rice simmer gently, covered, for about 40 to 50 minutes. Stir every five to seven minutes, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to prevent scorching. The rice should be tender, and most of the liquid should be absorbed, creating a thick, creamy consistency. A taste test will confirm the perfect tenderness.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and carefully take out the cinnamon stick. Now, stir in the ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and, if you're using them, the raisins. The residual heat of the rice pudding is sufficient to meld the flavors and allow the raisins to plump up slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more sugar or a pinch of salt if needed.
5. Serve the Arroz con Leche either warm, immediately after preparation, or let it cool completely and refrigerate it for a few hours. Before serving, you can sprinkle it with an additional pinch of ground cinnamon, as desired. This dish tastes excellent both lukewarm and well-chilled, depending on your personal preference. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Nutrition