Atole de arroz is a delightful Mexican comfort drink that combines the warmth of a hot beverage with the creamy goodness of rice pudding. It's a perfect choice for those chilly evenings or when you're craving something sweet and soothing. In this recipe, we'll be using a La Michoacana paleta de arroz con leche, adding a unique twist to this traditional favorite. Let's get started on creating a delicious and comforting atole de arroz!
Ingredients:
1 La Michoacana paleta de arroz con leche
2 cups of milk
1/4 cup of rice flour
1/4 cup of granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the La Michoacana Paleta:
Start by unwrapping the La Michoacana paleta de arroz con leche. This paleta is a delightful treat on its own, with its rich, creamy rice pudding flavor. Set it aside for now; we'll be using it later to infuse our atole with its delicious taste.
Make Rice Flour Paste: In a small bowl, combine the rice flour with a quarter cup of milk to form a smooth paste. Ensure there are no lumps in the mixture.
Heat Milk and Cinnamon: In a saucepan, heat the remaining 1 3/4 cups of milk over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick and allow it to gently simmer for about 5 minutes. This step infuses the milk with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon.
Add Rice Flour Paste: Gradually whisk the rice flour paste into the simmering milk. Continue to whisk constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens. The consistency should be similar to a thin pudding.
Add Sugar and Vanilla: Stir in the granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary. Then, add the vanilla extract, which enhances the overall flavor of the atole.
Add the La Michoacana Paleta: Now, it's time to incorporate the star of the show – the La Michoacana paleta de arroz con leche. Cut the paleta into small pieces and add them to the simmering atole. Stir gently to allow the paleta to melt into the mixture, infusing it with its creamy rice pudding goodness.
Serve:
Once the paleta has completely melted, your atole de arroz is ready to serve. Remove the cinnamon stick, and ladle the creamy concoction into mugs or cups. If desired, sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon on top for an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Enjoy:
Serve your La Michoacana paleta de arroz con leche-infused atole de arroz piping hot. It's the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and comforting flavors that will warm your soul. You can enjoy by itself or with tamales, pan tostado o pan dulce.