Arroz con leche: Mexico's most popular dessert

Mexicans are known for having an incredible culinary tradition. It has something for everyone: street food, tacos, pan de dulce, tamales, chocolate, pulque, and more.

However, for those with a sweet tooth, Mexico has a wide variety of desserts such as flan, jericallas, nieves, tres leches cake, yet one of the most popular desserts is Mexican rice pudding, known as "arroz con leche ."

This simple and delicious dish was brought to Mexico by Spanish colonizers and quickly became popular among locals.

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If you have never tried "arroz con leche," this is the perfect season to make it. You will need ingredients you probably have in your pantry:

1. rice

2. milk

3. condensed milk

4. cinnamon

5. raisins

Recipes vary from region to region; for example, in Mexico City, rice pudding is used to make "atole," a warn and delicious beverage that often accompanies tamales.

In Valtierrilla, Guanajuato, "arroz con leche" is placed in the Day of the Dead altars. Cooks add "piloncillo," and orange tree leaves for flavor.

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In Jalisco, rice pudding is a must during lent; however, local use lime or orange zest instead of cinnamon.

In Oaxaca, people pair Mexican rice pudding with sweet chickpeas.

In Tabasco and Chiapas, people eat rice pudding for breakfast or dinner.

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