Arroz Con Dulce(Rice Pudding)
A creamy, aromatic rice pudding infused with coconut, cinnamon, and cloves, perfect as a comforting dessert for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place rice in a saucepan with water to cover and let stand at room temperature for at least 5 hours or preferably overnight.
- Drain the rice and cook it in boiling water until tender.
- While the rice cooks, grate the ripe coconut to extract coconut milk or flesh as desired.
- In a large pot, combine cooked rice, coconut milk, evaporated milk, sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and vanilla extract.
- Cook over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until mixture thickens and flavors meld, about 20-30 minutes.
- Stir in black raisins and butter or margarine.
- Remove from heat and pour into serving dishes.
- Sprinkle with cracker crumbs or a mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg if desired.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh coconut milk instead of canned. If you don't have fresh coconut, you can substitute with store-bought coconut milk. To make the dish vegan, replace evaporated milk with coconut cream. Be sure to stir constantly while cooking to prevent the pudding from sticking to the pot. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by reducing the sugar or using a sugar alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for an aromatic touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Sugarless Candy for those looking to maintain a lower sugar intake. For a festive presentation, consider serving with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting dessert any time.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Arroz Con Dulce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through. You can also serve it cold or at room temperature, as it tastes great both ways.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arroz Con Dulce(Rice Pudding) contains roughly 534 calories, with 9g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (193% of the Daily Value), calcium (73% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2036mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either long or short grain rice, but ensure that it's rinsed well before soaking. Some prefer jasmine rice for its fragrance, while others might use basmati for a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make Arroz Con Dulce dairy-free, substitute the evaporated milk with a non-dairy alternative such as coconut cream or almond milk. This will maintain the creamy texture while ensuring it's suitable for those avoiding dairy.
What can I do if the pudding is too thick?
If your pudding turns out thicker than desired, simply stir in a little warm water or additional coconut milk until you reach your preferred consistency. Remember to add gradually, as it's easier to thin out than to thicken again.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).