There are certain foods that feel like more than just food. They carry memories, family traditions and little pieces of where we come from. For me, arroz con leche is one of those recipes.

As a Colombian American, Hispanic Heritage Month always makes me think about the foods and traditions that connect us to our culture. I was born in Colombia and moved to the United States when I was two, but Spanish was always spoken in our home and food has remained one of the sweetest ways I stay connected to my Colombian roots.

Arroz con leche is a classic Colombian dessert made with simple ingredients like rice, milk, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla. It is creamy, comforting, and incredibly nostalgic. While recipes can vary from family to family, I love the simplicity of our Colombian version. There is no need for anything complicated. Just a handful of ingredients and a little patience.

And of course, milk is what makes this recipe so wonderfully creamy. Beyond its delicious flavor and texture, milk provides 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D and vitamin A. One cup of milk also provides 8 grams of high-quality protein, making it a simple way to add important nutrients to everyday meals and snacks.

I also love that dairy brings both flavor and satiety to recipes. That combination is especially meaningful to me as a registered dietitian. Food should nourish us, but it should also be enjoyable. The creamy richness of milk is what makes this arroz con leche feel like such a special treat.

A Simple Dessert With So Much Meaning

One of the things I appreciate most about recipes like arroz con leche is that they remind us that food is about so much more than nutrition. It can be culture, comfort, connection and memory all at once.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, I love celebrating the traditions that have been passed down through generations and finding ways to bring those traditions into my own home. For me, that often starts in the kitchen.

This arroz con leche is sweet, creamy, and comforting, but it also represents something much bigger: the flavors of Colombia, the traditions of family, and the beautiful way food can keep us connected to where we come from. Here is how to make it:

Ingredients

1 cup white long grain rice

2 cups water

1-2 cinnamon sticks

Pinch of salt

2 cups milk

½ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ground cinnamon, for serving

Instructions

1. Add water, cinnamon sticks and salt to a small pot. Bring to a boil.

2. Add the rice to cinnamon water. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the milk, sugar, and vanilla. Stir to combine and cook uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.

4. Once the mixture has thickened and the rice is tender, remove from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

5. Serve warm or chilled with cinnamon sprinkled on top.

How to Store Arroz Con Leche

Store leftover arroz con leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that it will continue to thicken as it chills. If you would like to loosen the consistency, simply stir in a splash of milk before serving.

Whether you make it for your family, bring it to a gathering, or simply make a batch for yourself, I hope this arroz con leche brings a little sweetness and comfort to your kitchen.

Sincerely,

Luisa from Peaches to Pearls Blog

Luisa Hammett was born in Colombia, South America and raised along 30A in Florida before launching Peaches to Pearls in 2013. With a Master’s in Nutrition and a background as a pediatric registered dietitian, Luisa brings her love of food, family and thoughtful living to everything she shares. Today, Peaches to Pearls reflects life on her Georgia homestead, where she shares garden grown recipes, flower gardening, chicken keeping, family life and the simple joys of farmhouse living.

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