Rice Atole (Mexican Rice Pudding/Arroz Con Leche)

SrtaMaestra's Note:

My mom adapted this from several recipes she found, in an attempt to copy the arroz con leche that we had while I was studying in Merida, in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The bakery sold it in little plastic cups, at room temperature. This isn't a true 'pudding' since it doesn't have any eggs--but it sure is good! I haven't actually made this myself yet--just enjoyed it at mom's house! Warming the milk before adding to the rice helps to avoid longer cooking times. Simply warm the milk in the microwave or in another pan shortly before adding it to the rice. This dish can easily be halved if you don't need such a large amount (or doubled if you need more). This is a nice recipe to pour into individual serving dishes (custard cups or ramekins work well) while still warm. Sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon to garnish, cool, and eat cold or at room temperature.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups water
• 1 large cinnamon stick (or 2 smaller ones)
• 4 cups milk, warmed (see description)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (or more, to taste)
• 3/4 cup sugar

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan or pot, combine water, rice and cinnamon sticks and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover pot and heat for 10 minutes or until water is absorbed.
2. Add the warmed milk, cover and continue to cook over low heat for another 15-20 minutes stirring after 8-10 minutes. (The mixture will thicken as the rice absorbs the milk).
3. Add the sugar and vanilla and continue to simmer (uncovered) for 3-5 minutes to dissolve sugar completely (It will thicken even more as it cools).
4. Place into a large serving dish or individual custard cups. Place cinnamon stick on top and sprinkle with ground cinnamon for garnish if desired. Serve warm or cold, for dessert, snack, or breakfast.

Reviews

[marie_arizola_12942115]

I made this recipe this morning for my 2 children and they loved it. For years I have been attempting to make my mothers and grandmothers recipe and I ALWAYS mess it up!! This one was very easy and tasted exactly the same! I didn't have cinnamon sticks but I just added 1 tsp of cinnamon powder and I also added 2 little boxes of raisins for the kids and was great!! Thank you so much.

[jackieliz]

I just cant believe something this delicious and easy to make came out of my kitchen! I made it with splenda and put two 1" wide strips of orange zest into the water during the initial boil. My house smells heavenly, I can't wait for my hubby to try it. He is a lover of rice pudding, but move over kozy shack, mamas cooking from scratch!

[KristieKatz]

I found this recipe about a month ago, made it and LOVED it! I forgot where I found the recipe, I just remembered you saying "I haven't made this myself yet." Here I am again, I found your recipe and I couldn't be happier!!! This was the absolute BEST rice pudding in the entire world! After searching the internet for the last hour it was well worth it! I will be printing this recipe out and saving it forever! Now to the kitchen I go...rice pudding is calling my name! Thanks soooo much! YUM!