Mexican-Style Rice Pudding
Arroz con Leche
Recipe Yield
6 to 8 Servings
Cooking time
50 minutes
Rate this recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mahatma® Rice white rice
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Full rind of an orange
- 1 cinnamon stick about 2” long
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar or more to taste
- 1/4 cup raisins optional
- Fresh fruit such as berries optional
- Whipped cream optional
- Ground cinnamon to taste to sprinkle on the end optional
- Chocolate syrup optional
To Prepare
- Place the rice in a thick saucepan, cover with the water and place over medium heat. Once it comes to a boil, simmer for 5 minutes. Incorporate the milk, the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, rind of an orange, cinnamon stick, salt and sugar.
- As soon as it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low. Once the rice is cooked through and soft, anywhere from 35 to 40 minutes, turn off the heat. If you wish to add raisins, do so at this point.
- There should still be a considerable amount of liquid in the pot. Once the rice cools down, it will puff up and the liquid will be further absorbed.
- You can serve the arroz con leche with fresh fruits such as berries, whipped cream, sprinkled ground cinnamon, or for a more over the top concoction, with chocolate syrup!
Comments
171comments inMexican-Style Rice Pudding
Lauren Diaz
Jan 05
Hi, Pati! I made rice pudding for the first time after watching you make it on your show. You made it look so easy and delicious. I shared it with mis suegros and received a seal of approval! My father-in-law especially liked it as it reminded him of the arroz con leche he enjoyed as a child in El Salvador. Thanks again!
Pati Jinich
Jan 30
Yay, so happy everyone was pleased!
Consuelo Mackley
Dec 21
Patti,
Can this rice pudding be baked?
Pati Jinich
Jan 08
Never tried to be honest 🙂
Annabelle Austin
Dec 13
I’m making this tonight and it looks so good plus with the vanilla and cinnamon my kitchen smells amazing!
Pati Jinich
Jan 02
Let me know how you liked it Annabelle!
Bill P.
Dec 11
Love your PBS TV program since my grandmother and mom made similar recipes long ago. We are trying the rice pudding, Thanks !!
Pati Jinich
Jan 02
Thanks so much Bill, un abrazo!
Anne Holzknecht
Oct 25
Pati
I was wondering do you cook with the pot lid on or off? Trying this recipe today. Sounds great! I’ll let you know!
Pati Jinich
Oct 26
I cooked this uncovered Anne, let me know how yours came out!
Stephanie Imperial
Oct 24
I love watching your show and have been missing my Tia’s pudding. I cant wait to make this on the next cold Colorado day.
I’ll let you know how much my kiddos love it!!!
Pati Jinich
Oct 26
Hope everyone enjoyed one of my favorite desserts Stephanie!
Shirley Landry / Jland77@comcast.net
Oct 19
Thank you so much for the recipe!
Pati Jinich
Oct 28
My pleasure 😉
Colleen Griffith
Oct 17
In the words of Pati, “Oooh, Mmmm”! This was very good, not too sweet. I have a 1/2 can of condensed milk left – I think I’ll experiment with jasmine rice, ginger and ???
Pati Jinich
Oct 28
Lemon rind? Yum!
Anonymous
Nov 08
Tried it with lemon, fresh & dried ginger, and honey. Also good.
Pati Jinich
Nov 09
Yum!
Mary Ann Faloon
Oct 14
Yummmmmmmm
Pati Jinich
Oct 26
Yay!
Yona Gonen
Oct 14
Been making Pati’s rice pudding recipe for years, love it! my favorite.
Pati Jinich
Oct 26
So happy to hear, thanks Yona!
Patties recipes sound yummy I’m going to make something very soon I can’t wait
Oct 14
Patties recipes sound yummy I’m going to make something very soon I can’t wait
Pati Jinich
Oct 26
So glad you will, yay!
Rita Soto
Oct 14
Love this Mexican rice pudding can’t wait to make. This recipe sounds delicious 😋
Pati Jinich
Oct 26
Hope you’ll like it Rita!
Juanita Garza
Oct 12
Looks delicious 😋. Thanks
Pati Jinich
Oct 24
Thanks to you for following Juanita!
Clarissa Huizar Walker
Aug 13
I have made your recipe several times and I absolutely love it. I never got my grandmothers and regret that, but this always takes me back. One question I have is, is it possible to substitute the orange rind with lemon? Or is it best to just omit it, if I don’t have an orange on hand? Growing up my grandmother never put citrus in hers, so I’m sure your recipe works without it.
Pati Jinich
Sep 11
Yes, with lemon or even lime rind it comes out pretty good too Clarissa, enjoy!
Verne from Texas
Jun 25
When do I refrigerate it?
Pati Jinich
Jul 08
Once it has completely cooled down 😉
Kathleen Darcy
May 25
Hi Pati, can I cut this recipe in half? I want to make it for my mom and myself and this recipe seems like it makes too much for two people.
Pati Jinich
Jun 04
Absolutely, it will still work perfectly, enjoy it you guys 🙂
Suzanne Hagner
May 19
WOW…delicious…..I’ve been meaning to make this but then not getting around to it……..this is a winner…………
Pati Jinich
May 20
So glad you liked it!
Jamie
Oct 23
This is the easiest no fail recipe. My go-to favorite rice pudding recipe every time. My family loves it warm or cold.
Pati Jinich
Oct 29
Yay, thanks so much Jamie, hugs to you and the family 🙂
Liz
Oct 18
Pati,
This has to be one of the best rice puddings I have ever tasted – and certainly have ever made!
The orange, vanilla, and cinnamon are perfect, the consistency is spot on!
Thank you for a recipe my whole family loves!! 🙂
Pati Jinich
Dec 25
So happy you guys liked it Liz, hugs to all 🙂
Roe
Oct 17
Hi Pati, I love your program. I want to prepare your arroz con leche recipe. Can I use bastami rice or jasmine rice?
Pati Jinich
Nov 08
Of course Roe, go ahead and enjoy one of my favorite desserts 🙂
Elizabeth
Oct 13
My daughter and I loved this episode!
There’s a snow cone stand in Austin, TX, that makes this flavor and it is the BEST!!
Pati Jinich
Oct 29
So glad you liked this recipe Elizabeth, hugs to you and your daughter!
Chrissy
Sep 30
I made this and it’s yummy !! Very great recipe.
Pati Jinich
Oct 05
Glad you liked it Chrissy!
Alicia Gonzalez
Sep 19
This is my childhood, it reminds me of my abuela and tias in the kitchen. Thank you for the wonderful memories and your amazing show that I never miss!!! I just love you
Pati Jinich
Oct 04
Gracias Alicia! Lots of abrazos to you 😉
Sherol
Sep 05
My daughters love your rice pudding recipe so much that I’m making it for the second time. It’s so yummy! Thanks for sharing this recipe!!
Pati Jinich
Sep 27
Yay! My pleasure Sherol 🙂 Love to you and the girls.
Oralia Negrete
Sep 02
Es un delicioso arroz con leche me trae recuerdos de mi infancia.gracias por sus deliciosas recetas Pati…..
Pati Jinich
Sep 19
Muchas gracias a ti Oralia, te mando un abrazo!
Margaret Brieno
Jul 03
The smell brings back memories of my grandma. Thank you for sharing.
Pati Jinich
Jul 04
My pleasure Margaret, enjoy!
Anonymous
Jun 27
My grand-kids all love Rice Pudding, your recipe is their favorite. Thank you Linda Mujer.
Pati Jinich
Jun 28
So glad the kids approve, thanks to you all!
Northa L Turner
Apr 30
Hi there,
My honey doesn’t like rice but he love you rice pudding it was wonderful , I will make
the Flan tomorrow yummy.
Pati Jinich
May 11
Awesome Northa, hope he will approve of the flan as well 🙂
MaryLou Mallinson
Apr 13
best rice puddng ever
Best rice pudding ever
1
Pati Jinich
Apr 30
Yay! So glad you liked it MaryLou!
Stephanie Ahumada
Feb 27
I have made this every other night for a week now. The family can’t get enough of it!! Absolutely delicious!!! Love to watch your show as well!!!
Pati Jinich
Mar 07
Gracias Stephanie! So glad you guys loved my Arroz con Leche so much, yay 😉
Donna Gordon
Feb 26
I made this in my Instant Pot and it turned out amazing!
Pati Jinich
Mar 07
Awesome! Thanks for sharing Donna 😉
Yvette Denis
Feb 03
Do you have a favorite Mexican Vanilla??
Pati Jinich
Feb 10
Mexican vanilla is wonderful all around, so all of them 😉
Mister Piggie
Jan 31
Great pudding I changed one thing I soaked the raisins in Grand marnier that helped to intensify the orange flavor
Pati Jinich
Jan 31
Yes! Great idea, thanks for sharing 😉
Lori
Jan 27
Patti, my family and I enjoy your tv show immensely. We tried this recipe after seeing you cook it one episode. Delish!!! We thank you for your many talents and kind spirit!!!!!
Pati Jinich
Jan 31
Gracias Lori, so glad the family enjoyed this dessert, big hug to all!
Martha
Nov 04
I mixed up the recipe right from the start so I think that affected the texture. Turned out mushier than I was expecting (although I realized my mistake right from the beginning there was no saving it!). Would add more sugar as well (I used to called for amount of 3T. I will try this again bc I feel like it could have been my error in not reading the recipe correctly.
Pati Jinich
Nov 05
Agree Martha, just give it a second chance, you will love it I promise 😉
Jenny
Oct 21
This recipe is dynamite !! I have done it exactly as written and it comes out perfectly each time. I have even been able to use this recipe to do a dairy free version, which is just as yummy! Thank you for sharing your passion, Pati! God bless you!
Pati Jinich
Oct 22
Thanks so much for your feedback Jenny, so glad you enjoy the pudding 😉
Mary Charles
Oct 12
Soo good. Brings back memories of my grandmother
Pati Jinich
Oct 22
Thank you Mary, enjoy it 😉
Steph
Oct 03
Hi Pati,
This sounds so yummy! ☺️ Do you wash the rice before cooking it?
Pati Jinich
Oct 04
He Steph, I just do a very quick rinse because I like my pudding starchy 😉
Steph
Nov 29
Hi Pati!
Thanks for answering my question! I finally got around to making this and I’m annoyed I waited so long. It’s delicious!
Pati Jinich
Dec 28
🙂
Patricia Castro Patty
Oct 03
Hola Patti, la naranja es al pelarla sin lo blanco de ella. 😉 la añamos con el arroz?
Me encantan tus recetas. Tu programa, eres un encanto.
Gracias
🙏 cuídense
Pati Jinich
Oct 04
Exacto Patricia, es unicamente la parte naranja de la cascara, porque la parte blanca es super amarga. Un abrazo!
JennM
Oct 02
Delicious! I can always count on your recipes to come out perfect. Thanks for sharing. 💜
Pati Jinich
Oct 04
Thanks so much Jenn, so glad you liked the pudding 😉
Sandra
Sep 29
I made this recipe again after making it a month or so ago. It was much better this time. I can’t remember what I did but the first time the liquid was gone almost completely. This time it was much better. It came out more like what I remember enjoying as a kid growing up. Delicious.
Pati Jinich
Oct 04
Glad you liked it Sandra 🙂
Norma
Sep 27
Hola Part! Me encantó tu receta, yo soy cocinera por muchos años, pero hice tu receta y me gustó mucho! Gracias Chef!🌺🌺
Pati Jinich
Oct 04
Gracias a ti Norma, que alegria me da que te haya gustado este arroz con leche 😉
Marie Rose
Sep 27
Made this for the first time today. Smells fantastic, tastes great, but the rice at the bottom of the pot burned. It did not affect the flavor, but I’m wondering what went wrong. Should I have stirred it more often? Or maybe used a heavier pot? Thanks for the recipe; I wanted to try it as soon as I saw the episode.
Pati Jinich
Oct 04
Hey Marie, yes, probably you needed to stir a bit more often but not to much or it will become mushy. Also remember to reduce the temperature to low as soon as it starts simmering. Good luck 😉
Dani
Sep 27
Hi Pati,
Is this recipe going to work with short grain rice that has higher starch content than long grain?
Pati Jinich
Sep 28
Hey Dani, use your favorite, just make sure is not precooked 😉
Amy
Sep 26
Hi Pati!
Can I use Uncle Ben’s original rice? I don’t have Mahatma brand.
You are amazing and we love your show. My husband discovered you when he was in the hospital for two weeks and WGBH Create channel was on the hospital line up. He would call me and tell me how hungry he was from watching you!
Pati Jinich
Sep 28
Hey Ami, you can use any brand of your preference, just don’t use the precooked kind, it will not work at all. Thanks for the kind words and hugs to your husband, hope he is feeling better 🙂
Eula
Sep 26
I love the Arroz con Leche.
Pati Jinich
Sep 29
Me too 😉
Anonymous
Sep 26
Hola Paty, saludos desde Los Angeles California a nosotros nos gusta el arroz en leche con bolillo mmmmm
Pati Jinich
Sep 29
Que rico! Saludos a LA 🙂
Susan
Sep 25
Oh my goodness! I made this today. I substituted milk with coconut milk. I also zested the orange. It is absolutely incredible. Everything came out perfectly and I think it tastes like heaven. This is my favorite rice pudding recipe of all time.
Pati Jinich
Oct 04
Yay Susan! Thanks so much, you made my day 😉
Dakota
Nov 06
I just asked if it could be made with coconut cream instead of milk.
Thank You for the answer.
Liz C.
Sep 25
Pati,
What other kinds of rice could I use? I have Carolina Gold…would that work?
I don’t think I can get Mahatma Rice around here.
Pati Jinich
Oct 04
Hi Liz, you can go ahead and use any white rice, just make sure it is long grain, in my experience it works much better for this recipe, enjoy 😉
Camilla A Baca
Sep 18
This dessert was a childhood favorite!
Thank you for bringing back these most fun memories!!
Camilla
Pati Jinich
Oct 04
Thanks to you Camilla, have a great evening!
Mary Hamilton
Sep 18
Pati,
I adore you, your beautiful family, your program and your recipes. It’s the absolute best program. You make everything lol so effortless. Just love you to pieces. 😘
Pati Jinich
Oct 04
Thank you Mary, you are extremely sweet and kind 😉
Sandra
Aug 12
Hola Pati deliciosa receta, nos encanta tu programa a mi esposo y a mi. Siempre nos dejas con hambre 😜
Saludos
Pati Jinich
Aug 12
Hola Sandra, que gusto que les gusto el arroz con leche, es uno de mis postres favoritos. Saludos a ti y a tu esposo 🙂
Patricia Toney
May 30
Hi Pati,
I cannot wait to try this recipe, it looks delicious! Can I use evaporated milk instead of whole milk? Thank you,
Pati Jinich
Jun 01
Of course Patricia, evaporated milk is ok, enjoy!
Diana Ontiveros
May 17
Hi Pati,
My husband and I love your show and use a lot of your recipes! I was wondering if ground cinnamon can be used if you don’t have cinnamon sticks for the rice pudding. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe. Thank you!
Pati Jinich
May 20
Hey Diana, yes, you can use ground cinnamon, just don’t add to much because remember you will be sprinkling some on top for serving. Enjoy!
Lacey
Apr 24
I made this recipe for the first time a few days ago for a friend who was sick. It was easy and the flavor was amazing! The orange rind really makes this dish. Thank you. Can’t wait to make it again.
Pati Jinich
Apr 27
Thanks so much Lacey, I hope your friend is feeling better 🙂
Mary
Apr 20
Can you substitute the whole milk with almond milk? I can’t tolerate regular milk any more.
Pati Jinich
Apr 27
You can always try Mary, it should come out pretty good. Please let me know 😉
Adriana
Apr 20
Hi Pati,
How do you do the orange rind?… is it the same as orange zest?
Pati Jinich
Apr 27
Hi Adriana! The orange rind is different from the zest although I guess using zest will work as well. To get the rind just peel off the orange part of the skin (the white part is bitter, you want to stay away of it for this recipe) with a knife or a peeler in one or two big long pieces 😉
Mindy
Apr 18
Pati your rice pudding is awesome!!! I have never been able to make a good rice pudding – until now that is. Just ordered one of your cookbooks – the newer one. Can’t wait for it to come in!
Pati Jinich
Apr 19
Hi Mindy! Love to hear you enjoyed the rice pudding 😉 Have fun with the Cookbook, lots of yummy recipes to try!
Anna
Mar 27
HI Pati! Do I need to stir the rice while it simmers for 35 minutes?
Pati Jinich
Apr 02
Just maybe one time mid cooking Anna, but do not over do it or the rice will break and become like a paste, you do not want that 😀
Jo Ann Lopez
Jan 14
I’m trying to find your recipe for the 3 layer cake that you made on the episode on 1-12-20. It had meringue and fresh
plums and apricots; it looked very scrumptious. Also, I am looking for the recipe for fresh chile sauce baked over pork roast. Yummy!
Pati Jinich
Jan 15
Here they are, Jo Ann: https://patijinich.com/pati_2020/cuatro-leches-cake-with-plums-and-apricots/ https://patijinich.com/pati_2020/pierna-de-cerdo-adobada/
Martha E Munguia
Nov 12
The Orange peel adds a light citrus flavor which is enhanced by the condensed milk and cinnamon. I absolutely love this recipe, I have had many and by far one of my favorites. Thanks. Partial cover after adding milk, vanilla… also would suggest 35 minutes. I love Pati’s Mexican kitchen recipes.
Pati Jinich
Nov 12
Thank you, Martha!
Jimmy
Oct 12
This is a great, very traditional.🙄
Pati Jinich
Oct 12
👍
Anna R Pedziwiatr
Jul 09
Hi Pati!!!
I’m a huge fan & I watch your show on PBS in Phoenix, AZ. It helps take mind off my long chemo sessions. I’m immunocompromised and under isolation but cooking(when I’m able) really helps. I had a question. When simmering the rice after adding the milk and other ingredients, should it come back to a boil before reducing to low? Should it be covered during this stage?
Thank you for making my days brighter and letting me live vicariously through your travels and adventures!
God Bless,
Anna
Pati Jinich
Jul 09
Oh I’m so sorry to hear you are sick, Anna. I wish you a very speedy recovery and send you a big hug! As for the rice pudding, you wait for it to simmer again and then reduce the heat to low.
Anonymous
Jun 21
Do we have to add the orange rind?
Pati Jinich
Jun 23
It’s optional…I like the flavor, but you don’t have to add it.
David B
Jun 21
I’ll be truthful. I am not a fan of rice pudding. I like rice, just not served this way. With that said. I am making this for my wife. She loves rice pudding. It reminds her of her childhood filled with some great memories.
I know that today is a rough day at work for her, add to that that she isn’t feeling well too.
So she will have this wonderful treat awaiting her this evening when she gets home. Who knows, I may even find that I like it myself. I am always open to trying foods multiple times before giving up on them.
Thank you for the wonderful recipe
Pati Jinich
Jun 23
Oh I hope your wife (and you) enjoy the pudding. And I hope she feels much better…send her my best, David.
Alberto D. Parra
Mar 28
¡Gracias Pati !
El sabor de este arroz es igual como de Mí Abuela Celsa. Fue nacida en Zacatecas.
Fallecio hace 30 años.
Gracias otra vez por este recuerdo fino.
Alberto Parra AlbuQuerque, New Mexico
Pati Jinich
Mar 29
Uy mil gracias, Alberto!
Anonymous
Mar 04
Hoy que hace mucho frio, se me antojo hacer arroz con leche. Nunca le he puesto cascara de naranja. Haber como queda.
Noemi
Pati
Mar 07
Provecho!
Betty
Jan 19
Love your show, and all the recipes😋
Pati
Jan 21
Thank you Betty!
Jane C
Dec 30
Hi Patti — love your show and look forward to making the rice pudding. It sounds like it will be so comforting over the winter. One question: should we zest the entire orange or put in the rind in whole pieces and remove them when we remove the cinnamon stick (which I think we probably do before serving?)?
Pati
Jan 01
Thank you Jane! You can put the rind in whole pieces and remove them and the cinnamon stick before serving. Enjoy!
Toni Sorge
Dec 28
Pati I just made the rice pudding!
So easy and tastes the best !!
Love your show, I used to love cooking with my Mom just like
Your son Juju !! Fantastic
Pati
Dec 31
Oh I’m happy that the recipes bring back good memories of your mom, Toni!
Zeneca H Ford
Dec 13
I love rice pudding. I remember eating it as a child. It brings back wonderful memories of my Nanny an Granny. I am going to try your recipe. Thank you. I really love your show.
Pati
Dec 14
Oh I’m so glad this brings back good memories, Zeneca.
Jo Dean
Dec 13
Hi Pati, Love your down to Earth cooking without pretense. I’m going to try to make “chocolate” rice pudding as a chocoholic the only sensible thing to do. Also, please tell me what chili peppers carry very little heat. I love chilies. I even make chili stew with pork and sometimes put the chilies on scrambled eggs…hmmm, so good, but I can’t take too much heat from the chilies. Jo (an American living in Tasmania, Australia)
Pati
Dec 18
Hahaha yes…my family is a family of chocoholics too, so I understand. Some great chiles with little heat are poblanos or anchos. Here’s some more info on the different chiles: https://patijinich.com/pati_2020/category/ingredients/chiles/
Patricia
Nov 20
Hola Pati,
After adding the remaining ingredients is the heat suppose to be medium/high to come to a boil then reduced to simmer?
Pati
Nov 26
Hi Patricia! Once you’ve added the milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, rind of an orange, cinnamon stick, salt and sugar, you wait for it to simmer again and then reduce the heat to low.
LOPEZ, MICHAEL
Nov 17
Pati I’m making this rice pudding as we speak I hope it’s comes out as good as yours is. My wife enjoy your show very much and love your sense of humor and your passion for cooking. Thank you we will keep watching for new recipes.
Pati
Nov 19
I’m sure it will Michael!
Lupita
Oct 18
Querida Pati,
I think I loving cooking in the kitchen almost as much as you do. I teaching Mexican cooking classes in my community and use many of your recipes. God Bless you for the inspiration you give me. Mexican- Style Rice Pudding will be one of the recipes that I will teach the next time. It is so delicioso!
Pati
Oct 19
Oh I’m so happy to hear that you have been so inspired. I hope you have lots of great classes…and say hi to your students for me, Lupita.
Obed y chely
Oct 17
Hola paty.mi esposo es cocinero y no es por nada ,pero.cocina con la.misma pasion q cocinas tu. Disfrutamos mucho viendo tu show..el tambien es de la ciudad de mexico y dice que Lastima no te conocio antes.😘😍Gracias por tus delicias q nos compartes. Saludos desde Wisconsin
Pati
Oct 23
Gracias Obed y Chely!
Meza
Oct 13
Hi Patti!
How’dy frm Dallas Tx🐎
We love watching your cooking show.
I’m ashamed of myself because this is a dish i should have learned frm my mom. Thanks to your show I now can make. Keep the receipes coming!
Pati
Oct 14
Oh I’m so glad that it reminds you of your mom…and that you can now make the dish, Meza 😉
Janet Sedano
Oct 06
My husband and I just watched your show for the first time on PBS. We loved it…loved you and your sense of humor and passion for good food! We love rice pudding, but have never made it ourselves. We’re going to try this recipe together. It looks so good and easy. I wish I had the passion for cooking that you have! 🙂
Pati
Oct 08
Have lots of fun in the kitchen, Janet! And say hi to your husband for me.
Joss
Oct 03
We love your recipes Pati!
Pati
Oct 04
Oh thank you Joss!
Patricia
Sep 29
Thank you for this recipe. Sooo good
Pati
Oct 02
So glad you like it Patricia.
Tracie Moore
Sep 25
Do you groov grind the cinnamon stoc stick or is it left whole and then removed? Same question about the orange rib rind.
Sounds yummy!
Pati
Oct 08
You can if you want to…but you don’t have to, Tracie. I just leave mine whole and then remove them
Irene
Sep 24
Hi Patti! I love your show and your recipes so much, thank you for sharing them.
There are TOO many types of rice, please tell me the best brand to use.
Thanks!
Pati
Oct 08
Thank YOU for trying the recipes, Irene! Any brand is great…for this recipe just look for a package that says long or extra-long rice.
María Lamar Ruíz
Sep 23
Un abrazo de San Antonio…
¡Mil gracias por tus recetas!
Pati
Oct 01
Abrazos Maria…y San Antonio!