Arroz con Leche - Cuban Rice Pudding

Arroz con Leche - Cuban Rice Pudding



Serves 8



Don't be put off by the amount of time it will take to simmer the rice and milk to creamy perfection. The advance prep work is a cinch



½ cup white rice



1-1/2 cups water



1 half-inch lemon zest



1 cinnamon stick



4 cups milk



1 cup sugar



Generous pinch salt



1 teaspoon vanilla extract



Ground cinnamon



Turn the rice, water, lemon peel and cinnamon stick into a saucepan, bring to a boil reduce the heat and cook until the rice is soft, about 10 minutes. Add the milk,, salt, vanilla and sugar. Bring to a boil, the reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is very thick and the rice has absorbed the milk. Remove and discard the cinnamon and serve in bowls garnished with fresh pineapple and bananas.