Arroz com Leite – Brazilian Rice Pudding: The Original Recipe

Arroz com Leite – literally “rice with milk” – is one of Brazil’s most popular desserts. Creamy, sweet, and spiced with cinnamon, it is served warm or cold and is a staple in every Brazilian household. The secret to Brazilian Arroz com Leite lies in the addition of sweetened condensed milk, which gives it a special creaminess and sweetness.

History and Origin

Arroz com Leite has Portuguese roots and was brought to Brazil by the colonizers. Over time, the recipe was refined with Brazilian ingredients – especially sweetened condensed milk – and evolved into the distinctively Brazilian version. Today, it is popular all over Brazil and is served especially at Festas Juninas – the Brazilian midsummer festivals.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 200 g short-grain rice (pudding rice)
• 600 ml whole milk
• 1 can (370 g) Leite Condensado – sweetened condensed milk
• 400 ml water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Ground cinnamon for garnish

Preparation

• Place the rice, water, and cinnamon stick in a pot. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the water has been almost completely absorbed.
• Add the whole milk and let it simmer over low heat for another 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in the condensed milk and simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the rice is creamy. Remove the cinnamon stick.
• Serve warm or cold, sprinkled with ground cinnamon.

Tips

• Consistency: Arroz com Leite thickens as it cools – cook it a little runnier than desired so it has the right consistency when served.
• Stir constantly: Especially after adding the milk, stir regularly so that the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
• Coconut milk variation: Replace half of the whole milk with coconut milk for a tropical touch – similar to Canjica.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serve warm or cold?
Both are possible – warm right after cooking or cold after at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. When cold, it is firmer and creamier.

How long does Arroz com Leite keep?
In the refrigerator, well covered, for up to 3 days. Add a little milk when reheating, as it thickens over time.

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Cover image: AI-generated image for illustration purposes.