About the Recipe
Caribbean desserts are a celebration of flavor, culture, and heritage. Rooted in the lush tropical landscapes, these treats are often made with fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients like coconuts, tropical fruits, and warm spices. They serve as a beautiful reminder that desserts can nourish the soul and body while connecting us to our cultural roots.
Unlike heavily processed sweets, many traditional Caribbean desserts focus on whole, fresh ingredients that provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are not just flavor powerhouses—they're rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Tropical fruits, such as mangoes, bananas, and guavas, bring natural sweetness alongside a dose of fiber and Vitamin C.
Here some more dessert examples: any fruit with lime Chile, or cream, grilled pineapple with sauce, candied orange rind, tamarind balls, dulce de coco/batata, Guayaba (guava) and cheese, coconut drops/ Jalao, banana fritters, and more.
Enjoying these desserts is not only a way to indulge but also an opportunity to honor your heritage and embrace the vibrant traditions that make your culture unique. Here’s one such dessert that highlights the richness and warmth of Caribbean flavors: **Arroz con Leche**, a creamy rice pudding that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
For the Rice Base:
1 cup white rice, rinsed thoroughly (3-4 times)
4 cups water
4 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon cloves + 5 cardamom pods, placed in a metal tea strainer
Large pinch of salt
For the Creamy Finish:
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 cup raisins
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
½-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅓-½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon butter
Preparation
Step 1
Prepare the Rice Base:
- In a large pot, combine rinsed rice, water, cinnamon sticks, tea strainer with cloves and cardamom, and a pinch of salt.
- Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 2
Add the Creamy Ingredients:
- Remove the tea strainer and cinnamon sticks from the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream, milk, raisins, sugar, vanilla, ground ginger, freshly grated nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix well.
Step 3
Simmer to Perfection:
- Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
Step 4
Finish with Butter:
- Turn off the heat and stir in the butter for a smooth, glossy finish.
- Serve warm or chilled, topped with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for garnish.