Arroz con Leche

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 whole cloves
• 4 cups water
• 1 egg
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 (12-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins, optional

Directions

Soak the rice, cinnamon sticks, lemon zest and whole cloves in the water in a heavy saucepan for 1 hour.

After soaking, bring the rice mixture to a boil on high heat, uncovered. When it starts to boil (about 5 minutes), lower the heat to medium and cook for 10 to 12 more minutes or until water is almost evaporated.

While rice is cooking, beat the egg in a bowl. Add the milk and stir well to mix. Add the egg mixture, vanilla extract and condensed milk to the rice and cook over medium-low heat, stirring carefully, until it thickens slightly or until desired consistency, about 25 to 35 minutes.

Let cool uncovered.

Note: be aware that as the rice cools it thickens. The finished product will be thinner than traditional rice pudding.