Mexican-Style Rice Pudding

Name: Mexican-Style Rice Pudding
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
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)

Arroz con Leche

Recipe Yield

6 to 8 Servings

Cooking time

50 minutes

Rate this recipe

4.23 from 9 votes

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

135comments inMexican-Style Rice Pudding

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.

1. 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!! 🙂

1. 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?

1. 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!!

1. 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.

1. 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

1. 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!!

1. 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…..

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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

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!!!

1. 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!

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Mar 07
  
  Awesome! Thanks for sharing Donna 😉
  
Yvette Denis

Feb 03

Do you have a favorite Mexican Vanilla??

1. 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

1. 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!!!!!

1. 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.

1. 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!

1. 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

1. 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?

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Oct 04
  
  He Steph, I just do a very quick rinse because I like my pudding starchy 😉
  
  1. 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!
    
    1. 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

1. 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. 💜

1. 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.

1. 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!🌺🌺

1. 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.

1. 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?

1. 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!

1. 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.

1. 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

1. 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.

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Oct 04
  
  Yay Susan! Thanks so much, you made my day 😉
  
2. 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.

1. 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

1. 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. 😘

1. 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

1. 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,

1. 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!

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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?

1. 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!

1. 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?

1. 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!

1. 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.

1. Pati Jinich
  
  Nov 12
  
  Thank you, Martha!
  
Jimmy

Oct 12

This is a great, very traditional.🙄

1. 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

1. 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?

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. Pati
  
  Mar 07
  
  Provecho!
  
Betty

Jan 19

Love your show, and all the recipes😋

1. 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?)?

1. 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

1. 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.

1. 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)

1. 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?

1. 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.

1. 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!

1. 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

1. 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!

1. 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! 🙂

1. 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!

1. Pati
  
  Oct 04
  
  Oh thank you Joss!
  
Patricia

Sep 29

Thank you for this recipe. Sooo good

1. 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!

1. 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!

1. 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!

1. Pati
  
  Oct 01
  
  Abrazos Maria…y San Antonio!

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