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Arroz Zambito is a classic Peruvian treat. Containing coconut, raisins and nuts, it's a sweet twist to the traditional rice pudding.

  • Prep: 10 minutes
  • Cook: 40 minutes
  • Total time: 50 minutes
  • Recipe serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 cloves
  • 1/2 tsp aniseed
  • 5 1/2 cup Arborio rice (can be found in most supermarkets)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup grated coconut
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 tsp butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

Instructions

  1. Put milk, cinnamon, cloves, aniseed, Arborio rice, and salt in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, lower the heat, and simmer until the rice is al dente and the milk is almost evaporated, (about 20 minutes).
  2. Add evaporated milk and water, chancaca, grated coconut, and raisins, and continue cooking over medium low heat until the chancaca melts, the rice is very soft, and the texture of the dessert is creamy, but still somewhat liquid.
  3. Turn off the heat and discard the cinnamon sticks and the cloves.
  4. Add butter and vanilla, stirring. Cool to room temperature.
  5. Serve in nice glasses, and sprinkle with pecans.

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    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

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    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

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    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

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