Arroz con Leche Condensada or Cuban rice pudding is the sweet answer for “what is the oldest most traditional Cuban dessert?” Similar to our representation of Ajiaco last week- we have to go back in part to Spanish influence for the origination of the dish on the island. Though in the case of arroz con leche, the influence on the Spanish was from the Moorish people of North Africa rather than the Taino people indigenous to Cuba. Stemming from the tradition of mixing rice with cinnamon in much of the Arabic world, condensed milk and coconut milk are both added to the mixture, along with fresh lemon zest in the final version that Cuban people have been enjoying for centuries.
This particular version comes to us from Aniet, Dayan Torres lovely wife and the mother of Brayan, the youngest member of the YCT team. Dayan, one of the team’s lead drivers, was once jokingly known as the YCT Gigolo due to a wild streak in his youth and a fairly unique euphemism relating to Larvas on his rear windshield, is a very different man today thanks in large part to Aniet’s good influence! In addition to her calm and kind demeanor, after seeing some of her amazing culinary skills, we can further appreciate how she swept him off his feet.
This recipe comes to us from Aniet’s kitchen, where in recent times she has spent a lot of time since the family is all in quarantine. Blessed with Brayan’s recent arrival and Dayan’s unceasing appetite, we caught wind that Aniet was recently making arroz con leche for the family and knew we needed to share her tricks with you all. Enjoy making a slightly different type of comfort food this week!
Stay Home, Stay Safe and Stay Cuba and Travel Driven for the future!
** We are not endorsing any visits to the Grocery Store, use Instacart or other delivery services if you can friends!