Arroz con Leche [Video+Recipe] Spiced Rice Pudding

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 6 cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks ((or 1 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon))
• 6 cup water (divided)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup sugar (white, granulated)
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly-grated)
• Cherries for decoration ((optional))

Instructions

1. 1

   --- 1. Soak the rice ---

2. 2

   Soak the rice: In a medium saucepan or pot (1 gal [4 lt]), soak the rice, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in 2 cups of water and let sit for a couple of hours.This step is optional, and it's my own method for cooking the rice.

3. 3

   --- 2. Combine ---

4. 4

   Combine: When the 2 hours have passed, add the remaining 4 cups of water.Add in the rice (including the water in which it was soaking, cinnamon and cloves). Add the salt.

5. 5

   --- 3. Simmer ---

6. 6

   Simmer: Cook over medium temperature and stir regularly to avoid sticking. When the rice is tender (about 20 mins) add milk and sugar.When it breaks a boil again add the raisins. Cook over low heat until the mixture reaches a pudding-like consistency.

7. 7

   --- 4. Cool and chill ---

8. 8

   Cool and chill: Remove from the heat. Remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks. Add the butter and mix well. Cover and let it cool down to room temperature.Stir to incorporate the crust that forms during cooling.

9. 9

   --- 5. Serve ---

10. 10

    Serve in small bowls and sprinkle with the nutmeg. Decorate with the cherries.