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Arroz con Leche

Costa Rica

Arroz con leche is a comforting staple across Costa Rica, often one of the first desserts children learn to help make at home.

A creamy, cinnamon-scented Costa Rican rice pudding, simmered slowly in milk until thick and comforting — a simple, beloved dessert found in home kitchens across the country.

Authentic Costa Rica Arroz con Leche recipe
Prep
5 mins
Cook
35 mins
Difficulty
Easy
Calories
375 kcal
Serves
6
Calories are an estimate based on ingredients used

Ingredients

200gshort-grain rice
1Lwhole milk
100gsugar
1cinnamon stick
1strip of lemon or orange zest
1 tspground cinnamon, to serve

Method

1

Simmer rice briefly in water for 5 minutes, then drain.

2

Combine rice with milk, sugar, cinnamon stick and zest in a pot.

3

Simmer gently over low heat, stirring often, for 30-35 minutes until thick and creamy.

4

Remove the cinnamon stick and zest, spoon into bowls, and dust with ground cinnamon.

Chef's Tip

Stir frequently throughout cooking — the rice can catch and stick to the bottom of the pan if left unattended.

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Some recipe photos courtesy of Openverse and Wikimedia Commons contributors, used under Creative Commons licenses.
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