Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding

Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding Recipe - Creamy and Delicious

Region / culture: Puerto Rico | Servings: 6

Introduction

Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding, also known as Arroz con Dulce, is a traditional dessert that is popular in Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries. This creamy and sweet pudding is made with coconut cream, rice, sugar, and spices, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.

History

Arroz con Dulce has its roots in Puerto Rican cuisine and is often served during special occasions and holidays such as Christmas and Easter. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to make it their own.

Ingredients

4 cups of water
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of cloves
1 tbsp of crushed fresh ginger
1 x 14 oz (397 g) can of coconut cream such as coco lópez
1 cup of regular, uncooked, short-grain rice
1 cup of sugar
1 tbsp of cooking oil (optional)
0.5 cup of raisins

How to prepare

For best results, soak the rice in water for about two hours prior to cooking.
Drain the rice.
In a deep saucepan, add three cups of water, salt, cloves, and ginger.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Use a colander to strain out the remnants of the spices.
Bring the mixture to a boil once again.
Add the coconut cream, rice, sugar, and oil.
Cover the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat for about twenty minutes.
Add the raisins and mix well.
Continue to cook uncovered until the rice has absorbed all the water, approximately fifteen more minutes. Please note that cooking times may vary depending on your climate and elevation from sea level. Don't worry, this recipe is forgiving if you accidentally overcook it!
Pour the mixture into a square or rectangular dish that is about one inch high, and allow it to cool.
Sprinkle ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar on the pudding and cut it into two-inch squares for serving.
The pudding is equally enjoyable when chilled in the refrigerator.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for several days if well covered.
Enjoy!

Variations

Add diced pineapple or mango for a tropical twist.
Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer flavor.
Top with toasted coconut flakes for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the rice before cooking helps to achieve a softer and creamier texture.

- Be sure to stir the pudding occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- Adjust the sweetness of the pudding by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste preferences.

- For a richer flavor, you can use coconut milk instead of coconut cream.

Serving Suggestions

Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding can be served warm or chilled, and is delicious on its own or topped with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice pudding over low heat to prevent burning.

- Stir the pudding occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use jasmine or basmati rice instead of short-grain rice.

- If you don't have coconut cream, you can use coconut milk as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding in individual bowls or cups, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.

Pairing Recommendations

Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding pairs well with a cup of coffee or a glass of coconut water for a refreshing treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding is a good source of calcium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut and raisins, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any time. With its creamy texture and tropical flavors, this pudding is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air.

Maria was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of creamy rice pudding with a wooden spoon. The rich, sweet smell instantly transported me back to my childhood, when my own grandmother used to make this delectable dessert for special occasions.

I watched in admiration as Maria expertly added a pinch of this and a dash of that to the pot, her hands moving with the skill and confidence of someone who had made this dish countless times before. She explained to me that the secret to a perfect rice pudding lay in the slow and gentle cooking of the rice, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the sweetened milk and spices.

As I sat down at the kitchen table, Maria poured me a generous serving of the rice pudding in a delicate china bowl. The first spoonful melted in my mouth, the rice tender and creamy, the sweetness just right. It was a taste of pure nostalgia, a taste of home.

I begged Maria to share her recipe with me, and she happily obliged. As she dictated the ingredients and measurements to me, I scribbled them down on a scrap of paper, eager to recreate this wonderful dessert in my own kitchen.

Over the following days, I experimented with the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own taste. I added a little more cinnamon, a touch of nutmeg, and a sprinkle of raisins for extra sweetness. Each batch I made brought me closer to perfection, each spoonful a delicious reminder of that fateful day in Maria's kitchen.

I soon discovered that the key to a truly exceptional Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding was patience and attention to detail. I learned to simmer the rice slowly, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. I learned to add the milk gradually, allowing the rice to absorb it little by little until it reached the perfect consistency.

As I continued to hone my skills, I began to experiment with different variations of the recipe. I added coconut milk for a tropical twist, or grated orange zest for a citrusy kick. I even tried substituting the traditional white rice with black rice or quinoa, creating unique and delicious renditions of this classic dessert.

With each new version of the recipe, I found myself falling more and more in love with the art of cooking. I discovered that food was not just nourishment for the body, but also nourishment for the soul. It was a way to connect with my past, to honor my heritage, and to share my love with those around me.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of Puerto Rican-style Sweet Rice Pudding just like Maria taught me, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for all the wonderful recipes I have collected over the years. Each one tells a story, each one carries a memory, each one brings me closer to the people and places that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

And as I take a bite of the creamy, luscious rice pudding, I am reminded once again of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, and I am filled with a sense of joy and contentment that only a truly delicious dessert can bring.