Do You Know The History Of Arroz Con Leche?

Last Updated on October 15, 2022 by

Many people enjoy this desert but do they know the history of Arroz con Leche?

This is one of the most traditional desserts in all of Mexican cuisine. It is a regular fixture around the holidays. As such, it is remembered by many with a lot of affection as a heartwarming treat that raises your spirits.

This is especially true when you see or smell it as you enter the kitchen or dining area. Especially on a hot and sunny day, Arroz con Leche makes for a real invigorating treat that instantly takes you to another world, one that’s full of love and good company.

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The ironic thing about it is that it is actually quite simple as far as desserts go. For instance, it doesn’t require a whole lot of ingredients, and what really sets it off is the very special cinnamon powder which is beloved. Cinnamon gives Arroz con Leche a taste that reminds one of ice cream and other cold desserts. 

Arroz Con Leche Origin

If you’re wondering where is Arroz con Leche from, at first glance, it looks like something that you might suppose would come out of Asia. Many people have this idea because the main ingredient that it features is rice.

However, the truth of the matter is that it comes from Europe by way of Spain, and most likely from Asturias where it has been traditionally prepared in the same manner since the 16th century. It was inspired by the Muslims who brought rice and spices with them to Europe around the 10th century. There was a major exchange of cultures. Accordingly, it is really difficult to pinpoint when Arroz con Leche came about.

What’s very interesting is that there are many variations throughout Europe on Arroz con Leche. In Iceland, they use butter, in Germany apple, in France nuts and caramel, and Italy orange.

Arroz con Leche was first mentioned in 1520. Libro de Guisados, Manjares y Potajes de Ruperto Nola that was published in Naples, Italy. The oldest recipe for Arroz con Leche dates from 1607 when it was published at the Libro del Arte and was written by Cozina de Domingo Hernández de Maceras

A Little Bit Of History

Accordingly, the Spanish colonizers brought the Arroz con Leche to the Americas. It is very popular in all of Latin America and each country adds a little detail to its preparation. In Argentina and Uruguay, people usually add dude de Leche, and in Central America pieces of orange and zarzamora.

The backstory of how it came to taste so good in Mexico really comes from a practice that nuns in the Americas would typically do. This is, namely, to reuse the leftovers that they end up with at the end of the day and mix them in interesting new combinations to make something that’s both completely new and delicious. This practice has been much more common throughout the centuries than you might guess. In fact, there are many delicious foods throughout the Americas that have been developed in a way that’s similar to this.    

As a rule of thumb, the fresher Arroz con Leche is the tastier it is, or at least the more flavor it has, making it yourself really serves in a big way to help you understand the story that it has carried with it throughout the centuries. It’s for this freshness that many people across Mexico refuse to eat store-bought Arroz con Leche. From their point of view when you eat something that’s been sitting around in a fridge all day, you aren’t doing it justice.

Learn more about Do You know What Soda Goes Good With Tequila?

Arroz Con Leche Mexicano Recipe

You can try Arroz con Leche by learning how to make it from the comfort of your kitchen. Even if you don`t have a ton of experience in preparing desserts, you can try your hand at it and come away with something that the whole family will enjoy.

All you have to do is set some time apart and follow this straightforward recipe. It takes almost no time at all to prepare. The results are sure to impress you in the best of ways.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of rice
• 3 cups of water
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• 1 spoonful of lemon zest
• Salt
• 4 cups of milk
• 1 1/2 cups of sugar
• 1/3 cup of raisins
• 1 spoonful of vanilla
• Cinnamon powder to decorate

Equipment

• Pan
• Wooden spoon
• Stove

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the rice

Cook the rice in a pan with the water, the stick of Canela, the lemon zest, and the salt until the water boils. Lower the heat and cover the pan until the rice absorbs all the water.

Step 2: Add the milk

Add the milk and the sugar. Increase the heat and move with a spoon until the mix thickens.

Step 3: Add Cinnamon

Add the cinnamon and cook for two more minutes.

Step 4: Cool the mixdown

Remove from the stove and let it cool down for 25 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Serve in cups. Put the raisins and the cinnamon powder on top.

Conclusion

If you’ve found yourself craving something that’s sweet and different, both in terms of texture and taste, try Arroz con Leche from the store before you should definitely give it a shot. Just keep a bit of an open mind as for many it isn’t like the desserts that they’re accustomed to. Chances are that you’re sure to be in for a treat.

You should keep in mind that Arroz con Leche is not everyone’s cup of tea, but more often than not it wins people who try it for the first time over. If you have kids that love the taste and texture of a good pudding, there’s a very good chance that they’ll end up with the notion of this being one of their favorite treats to ask for.

Casia Valdés

Casia is a passionate home cook who loves to share her love of Mexican food with the world. She has been cooking since she was a child, helping her grandmother in the kitchen and learning the traditional techniques used to create delicious Mexican dishes. Casia loves to experiment with new ingredients and flavors, always looking for ways to make her dishes even more flavorful. She is also passionate about teaching others about Mexican cuisine and its rich history. When she is not in the kitchen, Casia enjoys exploring new cultures, traveling, and spending time with her family.