Last week, we cooked bacalao soup, another classic Costa Rican favorite, especially loved during Holy Week.

In Costa Rica, one dessert that’s always present during the holiday is the beloved arroz con leche or sweet rice pudding. Creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, it’s a must on the Tico Easter table.

Cool and refreshing, arroz con leche makes a perfect after-meal dessert, though it’s delicious any time of day. Known for its simple ingredients and heartwarming taste, this traditional dish is popular not only in Costa Rica but throughout Latin America.

The recipe is easy to prepare, and you can customize it to your liking with the addition of dark raisins, cinnamon, or sliced pecans. The result? A comforting, flavorful treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

• 1 cup long-grain white rice.
• 4 cups whole milk.
• 1 cinnamon stick.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste).
• 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional).

In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of milk, and the cinnamon stick. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.

Add sugar and remaining milk. Stir in the sugar and the remaining 2 cups of milk. Continue cooking uncovered over low heat, stirring frequently, for another 20–25 minutes, or until the mixture thickens into a creamy consistency.

Add vanilla and salt.  Once the pudding has thickened and most of the milk is absorbed, stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Cook for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cool slightly. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes.

Serve and garnish. Spoon the arroz con leche into individual bowls or a large serving dish. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon if desired.

While this dessert is wonderfully warm, it’s also delicious chilled. To serve it cold, cover it with plastic wrap (placing the wrap directly on the surface to prevent skin from forming), and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.

This delightful dessert is perfect on its own, or topped with a bit of cinnamon for an extra touch. However you enjoy it, arroz con leche is sure to add something special to your Easter celebration.

Have a pura vida Easter!