Sweet Rice

Sweet Rice Recipe from Argentina with Cinnamon and Vanilla Extract

Region / culture: Argentina | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sweet rice is a delicious and comforting dessert that is popular in many cultures around the world. This creamy and sweet dish is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a meal or as a special treat on its own.

History

Sweet rice has been enjoyed for centuries in various forms across different countries. It is often made with rice, milk, sugar, and spices, creating a rich and flavorful dessert that is loved by many.

Ingredients

360 ml/12 fl oz water
1 x 7.5 cm/3 inches cinnamon stick
The rind of 0.5 a lime (in large pieces)
100 g/4 oz rice, washed
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.25 tsp salt
90 ml/32 fl oz milk
1 small tin condensed milk
Ground cinnamon

How to prepare

Place the water in a large saucepan along with the lime rind and cinnamon stick. Bring it to a boil.
Add the rice and stir to combine. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes.
Remove the cinnamon stick and lime rind. Then, add the vanilla extract, salt, milk, and condensed milk. Mix everything well and continue to simmer over medium heat for 1 hour. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
Transfer the mixture to individual serving dishes. Allow it to cool and then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon before serving.

Variations

You can customize sweet rice by adding different spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves for a unique flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of milk or sweeteners to suit your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the rice frequently while it is simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- You can adjust the sweetness of the dish by adding more or less condensed milk to suit your taste.

- For a richer flavor, you can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet rice can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference. It is delicious on its own or topped with fresh fruit, nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect sweet rice is to simmer it slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning. This will ensure a creamy and delicious dessert every time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have condensed milk on hand, you can substitute it with sugar or honey for sweetness. You can also use coconut milk or almond milk as a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Sweet rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve sweet rice in individual dessert dishes or bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sweet rice pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and satisfying dessert experience. It also goes well with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sweet rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sweet rice contains approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying and indulgent dessert option.

Carbohydrates

Sweet rice is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the rice and condensed milk providing a good source of energy.

Fats

The milk and condensed milk in sweet rice contribute to the fat content of the dish, making it a rich and creamy dessert.

Proteins

While sweet rice is not a significant source of protein, the milk in the dish does provide some protein content.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet rice contains some vitamins and minerals from the milk and rice, including calcium, vitamin D, and iron.

Alergens

Sweet rice contains dairy in the form of milk and condensed milk, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Sweet rice is a delicious and comforting dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It provides a good source of energy and can be enjoyed as a special treat.

Summary

Sweet rice is a delicious and comforting dessert that is easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a creamy and rich texture, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Sweet Rice. It was many moons ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my Aunt Marie for the summer. Aunt Marie was a wonderful cook, and I always looked forward to her delicious meals. One day, as I was helping her in the kitchen, she pulled out a worn and tattered recipe card for Sweet Rice.

"Ah, Sweet Rice," she said with a smile. "This is a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded, my eyes wide with curiosity. Aunt Marie began to explain the process to me, step by step, as I watched intently. She used fragrant jasmine rice, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, and raisins to create a creamy and delectable dessert that I had never tasted before.

As I helped her stir the pot and watched the rice plump up and absorb the sweet milk, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart. From that day on, Sweet Rice became a staple in my own cooking repertoire, and I made it for my family and friends whenever I had the chance.

Years passed, and I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen. I learned new recipes and techniques from friends, neighbors, and cookbooks. But Sweet Rice remained a constant favorite, a comforting dish that never failed to bring joy to those who tasted it.

One summer, as I was visiting my own grandmother in the countryside, she shared with me her own version of the Sweet Rice recipe. She used coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk, and added a touch of cardamom for a unique and exotic flavor. I was amazed at how a simple dish could be adapted and personalized in so many ways.

I made a mental note to try out my grandmother's variation of the recipe when I returned home. The next time I made Sweet Rice for my family, I added coconut milk and cardamom to the mix, along with the usual cinnamon and raisins. The result was a creamy, fragrant dessert that transported me back to my grandmother's kitchen in the countryside.

Over the years, I continued to experiment with the Sweet Rice recipe, adding different fruits, nuts, and spices to create new and exciting variations. I discovered that adding diced mangoes and toasted coconut gave the dish a tropical twist, while stirring in chopped pistachios and rose water added a touch of elegance.

Each time I made Sweet Rice, I felt a sense of connection to the past, to all the women who had come before me and shared their knowledge and love of cooking. I realized that recipes were not just a list of ingredients and instructions, but a way to preserve memories and traditions, to pass down a little piece of ourselves to the next generation.

As I grew older and my own children began to show an interest in cooking, I made sure to teach them how to make Sweet Rice, just as Aunt Marie had taught me all those years ago. I watched with pride as they stirred the pot, tasting and adjusting the flavors until they were just right.

And now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes I have collected and cherished over the years. Each one tells a story, a tale of love and laughter, of trials and triumphs, of family and tradition.

And as I take a bite of the creamy, fragrant Sweet Rice that I have just made, I can't help but smile and think to myself, "This is more than just a recipe. This is a legacy, a gift from the past that I will pass on to the future."