National Dish Uruguay: Arroz con Leche y Canela (Recipe)
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Few puddings say comfort quite like Arroz con Leche y Canela, Uruguay’s beloved creamy rice dessert scented with warm cinnamon. Gently simmered until soft and luscious, it turns the simplest pantry staples into something genuinely soothing. Sweet, fragrant and endlessly nostalgic, it is the kind of pudding that brings the whole family to the table — whether served warm on a chilly evening or chilled for a refreshing finish to a meal.
About Arroz con Leche
Arroz con Leche is one of the most popular desserts in Uruguay, as well as across many other Latin American countries. This traditional pudding brings together rice, milk, sugar and a pinch of cinnamon, which simmer down into a wonderfully creamy consistency. It is often finished with a little extra cinnamon or a scattering of raisins to add another layer of flavour. At once homely and sweet, it is the perfect comfort food, adored by young and old alike — much like a comforting bowl of Mazamorra.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100 g short-grain rice
- 500 ml whole milk
- 50 g sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 pinch of salt
- Optional: 50 g raisins
- Optional: ground cinnamon, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for Arroz con Leche are easy to find in most supermarkets and local grocery shops. Be sure to choose short-grain rice, as it gives the best texture for this pudding. When it comes to the milk, you can pick whole milk, semi-skimmed milk or a plant-based alternative such as oat milk, depending on your preference. Don’t forget to add a good cinnamon stick and some fresh raisins to your basket if you plan to use them.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking, it is worth getting all your ingredients ready and tidying your work surface. Measure out the milk, the sugar, the rice and the rest of the ingredients precisely. Reach for a medium-sized saucepan so everything mixes evenly as it cooks and you achieve just the right creaminess. If you are using raisins, you can soak them in water first to soften them and bring out their flavour.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a saucepan, bring the milk to the boil along with the cinnamon stick and a pinch of salt.
- Add the rice and lower the heat to medium. Let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes, until the rice is soft.
- Stir in the sugar and let the mixture bubble away for a further 5 minutes, until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- If you are using raisins, add them in the final minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally to keep the texture nice and creamy.
- Serve the Arroz con Leche warm or cold in bowls and finish with a dusting of cinnamon.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
The good news is that Arroz con Leche is naturally gluten-free, since its main ingredients are simply rice and milk. To make the recipe lactose-free, you can use a plant-based milk such as almond, rice or coconut milk. These alternatives not only deliver a lactose-free treat but also lend the pudding a distinctive flavour of their own. Be sure to choose unsweetened versions so you can keep the sugar content under control.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans there are a few easy swaps that let you enjoy Arroz con Leche too. Replace the milk with your favourite plant-based alternative and the sugar with an unrefined sweetener such as agave syrup or maple syrup. This keeps the pudding just as delicious while meeting vegan dietary requirements. You can also get creative with the garnish by adding fresh fruit or toasted nuts.
More tips and tricks
To give your Arroz con Leche a special touch, experiment with different aromatics such as vanilla or coconut. Some cooks add a pinch of nutmeg to deepen the flavour. You can also try different rice varieties to ring the changes. Remember to keep the heat low while cooking, to avoid catching the bottom of the pan and to preserve the pudding’s creaminess. The same comforting approach works beautifully for Arroz con Leche y Coco.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for Arroz con Leche is easy to tailor to your own preferences. For a richer texture, you can increase the amount of milk or stir in a little double cream. Prefer it sweeter? Simply add more sugar to taste. And if you love fruit, try seasonal fruits as a topping — they bring not only freshness but also visual appeal to the bowl.
Ingredient substitutions
If you don’t have short-grain rice to hand, you can also use basmati rice or jasmine rice, both of which make a tasty base. Instead of sugar you might reach for coconut sugar or a sweetener to make the pudding a little healthier. And if you fancy a different aroma, try adding some lemon zest or orange zest for a fresh, citrusy note. The possibilities are practically endless — much like the variations you’ll find in Arroz con Pasas y Almendras.
Drink pairing ideas
A warm drink pairs beautifully with a lovely bowl of Arroz con Leche. Coffee or teas such as chai or chamomile harmonise wonderfully with the pudding’s sweet flavour. A refreshing fruit smoothie also complements the dish well and offers a pleasant contrast. If you would like to serve something alcoholic, a sweet white wine can make an interesting match.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can make all the difference when it comes to making a dessert look inviting. Serve Arroz con Leche in pretty dessert glasses or bowls so the layers and garnish are on full display. Scatter over some cinnamon or use fresh fruit as a garnish for extra colour and texture. A mint leaf can also provide a lovely contrast, catching the eye while adding a fresh note.
A bit of history
Arroz con Leche has its roots in Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, where similar versions have existed for centuries. In Uruguay and other Latin American countries it became a much-loved dessert, with each region adding its own little tweaks. It is not only an everyday treat but is also often served on special occasions. The combination of rice and milk symbolises the traditions and hospitality that are so highly valued in kitchens around the world, and it sits comfortably alongside other classics of Uruguay cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Arroz con Leche
Arroz con Leche is a delicious, creamy pudding that captures the flavour of Uruguay perfectly. With its straightforward preparation and short list of ingredients, it is an ideal dish that can work both as a treat in its own right and as a dessert. Whether served warm or cold, this pudding brings joy to the table and suits special occasions or simply a sweet end to a meal. Let its many variations inspire you and enjoy this classic dish, which to this day remains a favourite in so many hearts and kitchens.
