Mexican Pumpkin Rice Pudding
Mexican Pumpkin Rice Pudding (Pumpkin Arroz con Leche) is a creamy, cozy twist on the traditional Mexican dessert. Made with rice, milk, pumpkin purée (or conserva de calabaza), warm spices, and a touch of sweetness, it’s the perfect fall or winter treat. Enjoy it warm on a chilly night or cold straight from the fridge.
Servings: 7
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 - 5 whole cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 3/4 cup pumpkin purée (homemade Conserva de Calabaza or canned), divided
- 3 ounces honey
- 1 1/4 cup fat free milk plus more for thinning if needed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- whipped cream optional
- ground cinnamon optional, for sprinkling when serving
Instructions
- Over high heat, bring water to a boil with the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and salt. Remove from heat and cover. Steep for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves and discard. Place rice, 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, honey, milk, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and turn to high heat. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, turn to low and cover. Let simmer for 30 to 35 minutes. Add an additional 1/4 pumpkin puree and combine.
- Ladle into bowls and add more milk for a thinner consistency. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon, if desired.
Video
Notes
- Instead of canned pumpkin purée, you can use conserva de calabaza, a traditional Mexican pumpkin preserve made with piloncillo and spices. It adds richness and depth and also eliminates the need for added sweeteners.
- Honey can be swapped with brown sugar or piloncillo for a more traditional flavor.
- For a creamier pudding, use whole milk or evaporated milk. Fat-free or 2% milk will make it lighter, and dairy-free options like almond, oat, or coconut milk can also be used.
- If pudding becomes too thick, stir in a splash of milk when reheating.
- This recipe tastes delicious served warm or chilled.
Nutrition
Calories: 160.87kcal | Carbohydrates: 36.47g | Protein: 3.75g | Fat: 0.36g | Saturated Fat: 0.14g | Cholesterol: 0.88mg | Sodium: 111.74mg | Potassium: 159.04mg | Fiber: 1.71g | Sugar: 13.15g | Vitamin A: 4174.54IU | Vitamin C: 1.1mg | Calcium: 82.82mg | Iron: 0.74mg