Popular Puerto Rican Recipes: Arroz con Dulce (+More Great Dishes!)
Puerto Rican recipes are a blend of diverse flavors and cultures that highlight the complex history of the island! The vibrancy of Puerto Rico is evident in its cuisine, which entices foodies from all over the world to come have a taste!
½cupraisins(or golden raisins, or a combination of both regular and sultanas)
¼cupshredded sweetened coconut
ground cinnamon(optional garnish)
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Instructions
Place the rice in a medium-sized mixing bowl and cover with cool water, leaving about 2 inches of excess water over the rice. Set aside for an hour to soak.
Add the 4 cups water to a saucepan with ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and salt then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes then remove from heat and allow to steep while your rice finishes soaking.
Once your rice is fully soaked, drain off water and rinse under cool tap water.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the ginger and whole spices from the boiled water. Add coconut milk and heat to a boil.
When the water reaches a boil, stir in the drained rice, light brown sugar, raisins, and coconut then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to your pan.
Transfer the cooked rice into your 9x13 baking pan and spread in an even layer for quick cooling. Once cooled to room temperature, finish chilling in the refrigerator.
Serve cold, topped with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Notes
Medium grain rice available in the US are Calrose (a California rice that is great as sushi rice), Nishiki, Goya, River, Cajun Country, and yes even the Arborio rice we love for risotto can work too!
Other dried fruits can also work in place of the raisins, like cranberries, currants, dried cherries, pitted dates (chopped), and dried apricots (chopped).
If the rice has absorbed all of the liquid but is not yet tender, add ¼ cup of hot water at a time and heat for a few additional minutes.
Your arroz con dulce can also be topped with fresh berries, crushed nuts, and whipped cream.
Toast your coconut flakes in a dry skillet or medium-low heat until fragrant then remove them to a cool plate. The toasted coconut adds depth of flavor that really makes this dessert extra special!