Arroz Con Leche

6 steps · 45 min total

1. 01

   Start the Rice

   In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 2 cups heavy cream, 2 cups milk, the Arborio rice, cinnamon sticks, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. 02

   Simmer the Rice

   Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently, stirring every few minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. This should take about 30 minutes.

   The mixture should be thick and creamy, like a loose porridge.

3. 03

   Adjust Consistency

   Stir in the remaining milk and heavy cream a little at a time, until the arroz con leche reaches your desired consistency. You want it creamy and flowing, not stiff; it will thicken further as it cools.
4. 04

   Stir in Sugar

   Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the 1 cup sugar until it's completely dissolved.

   Taste and add a little more if you like it sweeter.

5. 05

   Remove Cinnamon

   Carefully pull out and discard the cinnamon sticks.
6. 06

   Serve with Cinnamon

   Ladle the warm arroz con leche into serving bowls. Finish each serving with a light dusting of ground cinnamon.