Dessert: Puerto Rico – Arroz con Leche de Coco y Lima

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 35 min

Additional 2 hrs

Total 2 hrs 50 min

Ingredients

- 1 cup (200 g) short-grain rice (Arborio or sushi rice)
- 2 cups (480 ml) full-fat canned coconut milk
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) salt
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 limes
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened shredded coconut (plus extra for garnish)
- Extra lime zest or thin lime slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear to remove excess starch. Drain well.
2. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, whole milk, salt, and the cinnamon stick. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy, about 25–30 minutes.
3. When the rice is nearly tender, stir in the sugar and continue to cook 3–5 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the pudding has thickened slightly.
4. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Temper the yolks by slowly whisking in 1/3 cup (80 ml) of the hot rice mixture until smooth, then pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan, stirring constantly. Cook over low heat 1–2 minutes more to thicken slightly—do not boil.
5. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, lime zest, and lime juice. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick. Taste and adjust sugar or lime if desired.
6. Toast the 1/2 cup (40 g) shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
7. Transfer the pudding to a serving dish or individual bowls. Serve warm, or cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for a firmer texture.
8. Before serving, sprinkle with the toasted coconut and additional lime zest or a thin lime slice for garnish.