November 11, 2024
The changing seasons can evoke a sense of nostalgia around meals shared with family and friends. The Martinez household kitchen sits in the heart of the abode, which seems intentional. Maria Martinez, a loving great-grandmother, reflects on the meals she has prepared for generations of loved ones in this kitchen. A natural storyteller, Maria imparts their family traditions, most of which center on delicious meals.
The Story Behind the Dish
With family ties to Mexico, she cooks close to her roots. When asked about her favorite meal to prepare, Maria ponders for a moment and smiles. “When the kids were little, they would beg me to make Arroz con Leche for breakfast. It’s one of my favorite meals to prepare because I know how much they loved it,” she admits in a half-whisper in the quiet kitchen. “I can smell the cinnamon and vanilla now.”
Arroz con Leche, a Mexican version of rice pudding with a hint of cinnamon, has all the essence of a cozy hug from a grandparent. She cherishes the Sunday mornings that her family comes over for a shared breakfast. Maria imparts that with the holidays around the corner, she reminisces when she’d prepare elaborate meals: pork tamales, charro beans, pozole, and menudo for her family to enjoy. She hands the baton over to her daughters, who have watched and helped their mother prepare their most beloved meals throughout time.
Customize the Dish to Your Liking
We asked Maria what makes the Mexican rice pudding special to her. Maria reveals that there is meaning in simplicity. She assures us that acts of love are all about intention. “As I have gotten older, it’s been more challenging to stand for hours in the kitchen. I miss it, but making simpler meals like this allows me to continue the tradition of cooking for my family,” reflects Maria. Maria’s special Arroz con Leche is simple to make and customizable. It can be sweetened to your liking and made with milk alternatives to accommodate dietary needs.
Read Maria’s full Arroz con Leche recipe and simple preparation instructions below.
Ingredients
4 cups of water
2 whole cinnamon sticks
2 cups of long-grain white rice
2 cups of whole milk
12 oz of evaporated milk
1 ¼ cups of white sugar
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
Cinnamon powder to taste
Instructions
Cook Rice: Add the water and whole cinnamon sticks to a saucepan over high heat. Bring the water to a boil, allowing the cinnamon sticks to release their color and flavor. Add in washed rice and reduce to medium heat. Cover and allow the rice to absorb the water.
Add Milk and Sweeten: Once the water is absorbed (20 minutes or so), gradually add the whole milk to the rice and then add the evaporated milk. Stir in the sugar and add vanilla extract. Allow the rice to thicken with the added milk, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serve: Adjust the sweetness and consistency of the rice pudding to your liking. For a thicker rice pudding, allow more time to cook. When the rice has thickened to your preferred consistency, serve hot and top with a dash of cinnamon.
This customizable Mexican rice pudding dish can be served at any time of day and enjoyed by all ages. As the colder temperatures set in, we wish you warmth, good talk with loved ones, and nourishing meals.