Elba's Arroz Con Dulce Recipe
Unlock the flavors of Puerto Rico with Elba's Arroz con Dulce recipe! Creamy, sweet, and authentic – a taste of tradition awaits!
- Publisher: Recipe Volt
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
- Category: Dessert
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 200 calories
Elba's Arroz Con Dulce
Elba's Arroz con Dulce is a cherished traditional dessert hailing from the rich culinary heritage of Puerto Rico. Named after its creator or perhaps a revered family member, Elba's rendition of Arroz con Dulce embodies the warmth and flavor of Puerto Rican cuisine. This sweet rice pudding delicacy holds a special place in gatherings, celebrations, and everyday meals, symbolizing the essence of home and community.
Prepared with simple yet aromatic ingredients, Elba's Arroz con Dulce offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The creamy richness of coconut milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk infuse the tender grains of short grain rice with sweetness and depth. Fragrant spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla extract add layers of complexity, evoking nostalgia and comfort with every spoonful.
The process of making Elba's Arroz con Dulce is a labor of love, requiring patience and attention to detail. From simmering the rice to perfection to gently infusing it with the luscious combination of milks and spices, each step is imbued with care and tradition. Optional additions like plump raisins offer bursts of sweetness and texture, enhancing the overall experience of this beloved dessert.
Whether served warm or chilled, Elba's Arroz con Dulce is a soul-satisfying indulgence that brings people together around the table. Its rich history and cultural significance make it more than just a dessert—it's a symbol of heritage, family, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. With Elba's recipe in hand, anyone can recreate the magic of this iconic Puerto Rican treat and savor its timeless appeal.
Recipe
Discover the secret to irresistible Arroz con Dulce with Elba's authentic recipe! Indulge in creamy Puerto Rican bliss today!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of short grain rice
- 1 can (13.5 oz) of coconut milk
- 1 can (12 oz) of evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of raisins (optional)
- Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Method Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the rice to the boiling water and cook it until it's tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, add the coconut milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt to the saucepan with the rice.
- Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
- If using raisins, stir them into the mixture during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Once the arroz con dulce is thick and creamy, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Serve the arroz con dulce warm or chilled, sprinkled with ground cinnamon if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Elba's Arroz con Dulce! It's a perfect sweet treat that's great for sharing with family and friends.
Recipe Video
This is a video about Elba's Arroz Con Dulce.
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Recipe Tags: Elba's Arroz Con Dulce, Elba's Arroz Con Dulce Recipe, Recipe
Servings
Elba's Arroz con Dulce can be served in various ways to suit different preferences and occasions. Here are a few options:
- Warm: Serve the Arroz con Dulce warm straight from the stove for a comforting treat. Spoon it into bowls and sprinkle with a dash of ground cinnamon for a finishing touch. This cozy presentation is perfect for chilly evenings or intimate gatherings.
- Chilled: Refrigerate the Arroz con Dulce until it's cold and set. Once chilled, scoop it into serving dishes and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. This refreshing variation is ideal for warmer days or as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal.
- Family-style: For a casual gathering or potluck, transfer the Arroz con Dulce into a large serving dish and let everyone help themselves. Provide small bowls or cups alongside spoons so guests can portion out as much as they like. This communal approach encourages sharing and fosters a sense of togetherness.
- Individual servings: For a more formal presentation or special occasion, spoon the Arroz con Dulce into individual dessert bowls or glasses. Top each serving with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few raisins for an elegant finishing touch. This presentation adds a touch of sophistication to the dessert, making it perfect for dinner parties or celebrations.
Tips
- Choose the right rice: Opt for short grain rice, also known as arborio or sushi rice, for the best texture in your Arroz con Dulce. Its high starch content helps create a creamy consistency.
- Simmer gently: When cooking the rice with the milk mixture, simmer it gently over low heat. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb the liquid gradually, resulting in a rich and creamy dessert.
- Stir frequently: Stir the Arroz con Dulce frequently while it's simmering to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking. This also helps distribute the flavors throughout the dish.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: Taste the Arroz con Dulce as it cooks and adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can add more sweetened condensed milk for a sweeter flavor or reduce the amount if you prefer it less sweet.
- Add optional ingredients: Get creative with optional ingredients like raisins, grated coconut, or even diced fruit like pineapple or mango. These additions can add extra texture and flavor to your Arroz con Dulce.
- Chill thoroughly: If serving the Arroz con Dulce chilled, make sure to refrigerate it for several hours or overnight to allow it to set completely. This ensures a firmer texture and enhances the flavors.
- Garnish before serving: Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top of the Arroz con Dulce just before serving for a visually appealing presentation and an extra pop of flavor.
- Store properly: Store any leftovers of Elba's Arroz con Dulce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for a few days and can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
Ingredient Substitutes
If you're looking to substitute some ingredients in Elba's Arroz con Dulce recipe, here are a few options:
- Rice: If you don't have short grain rice on hand, you can use medium grain rice as a substitute. While it may not yield the exact same texture, it will still work well in the recipe.
- Coconut Milk: If you're allergic to coconut or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the coconut milk with an equal amount of regular whole milk or almond milk. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile of the dish.
- Evaporated Milk: If you don't have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with an equal amount of half-and-half or a combination of whole milk and heavy cream.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: To make a homemade substitute for sweetened condensed milk, you can combine 1 cup of whole milk with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of butter. Heat the mixture gently in a saucepan until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Spices: If you're missing any of the spices called for in the recipe, you can adjust based on what you have on hand. For example, you can use ground nutmeg instead of cloves, or omit the cloves altogether if you prefer.
- Raisins: If you're not a fan of raisins or don't have any on hand, you can omit them entirely or substitute them with other dried fruits such as chopped dried apricots or cranberries.
Remarks
Get ready to experience the warmth and richness of Puerto Rican cuisine with Elba's Arroz con Dulce. Share this delicious tradition with your loved ones and savor every spoonful of sweetness!
