Horchata isn’t always made with rice milk, but according to restauranteur and food writer Rosa Cienfuegos, it’s the style of choice in Mexico City. Sharing a basic recipe for it in her book CDMX: The Food of Mexico City, Cienfuegos writes: “I love the description of horchata by one of my staff members, who refers to it as ‘Mexican rice pudding shake’! This sweet creamy iced drink is a Mexican favourite, although its origins lie in Spain, where it was made with a different ingredient called ‘chufa’. The most popular version in Mexico City is made with rice, and in other states it’s made with almonds, soybeans, coconut or sesame seeds. There is a very specific market stall at the Mercado de Azcapotzalco where they add extra cinnamon to the mix, and sprinkle more on top to serve – I had very strong cravings for it when I was pregnant!”
Horchata
Ingredients
- ¼ cup jasmine rice
- 1.5 L just-boiled water
- 3 tbsp condensed milk
- 3 tbsp evaporated milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ice cubes to serve
Instructions
- Place the rice in a heatproof bowl or jar and add the boiled water. Stir and set aside to cool to room temperature. The rice will soften slightly.
- Transfer the rice and soaking water to a blender and blend until the rice is finely chopped and almost dissolved.
- Strain the liquid into a large bowl or jar and discard any remaining bits of rice. Add the milks and cinnamon, stir well and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Add 2 cups (500 ml) water to the horchata and stir it all together. Serve, poured over ice.
More recipes from Rosa Cienfuegos
Poblano Tacos
Rosa Cienfuegos' recipe for tacos de rajas con crema – sliced poblano chili and cream tacos.
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Habanero Mango Chicken Wings
Rosa Cienfuegos' recipe for Mexican-style chicken wings tossed in a spicy habanero and mango salsa.
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Baked Chili Fish
Rosa Cienfuegos' Mexican recipe for white fish fillets baked with potatoes and served with garlic-chili sauce.
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Chocolate Tamales
Rosa Cienfuegos's recipe for chocolate dessert tamales, from her cookbook CDMX: The Food of Mexico City
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