The Delicious Dulce De Leche
Dulce de leche is typical of Latin America although we usually associate it mainly with Argentina. It is also called “manjar”, “manjar blanco”, “cajeta” or “arequipe” depending on the country where we are.
It can be used in different ways. Some of them are:
- Cakes.
- Ice creams.
- Pancakes.
- Spread cookies.
- Fill cakes.
Next, we show you several recipes and tricks to prepare the dulce de leche.
How to prepare a traditional-style dulce de leche
Ingredients for approximately 1/2 kilo of dulce de leche:
- 1 liter of whole milk.
- Between 250 and 350 grams of white sugar.
- Vanilla essence.
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Form of elaboration step by step:
- Put warm milk with sugar over medium heat until it is completely dissolved.
- Add the vanilla and baking soda.
- Let it cook for 2 hours over low heat without boiling. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon.
- When you see that the consistency and color are those of dulce de leche, turn off the heat and stir for another 10 minutes until cold.
How to prepare 3 recipes for dulce de leche
Recipe 1
For this recipe you need one or more cans of condensed milk, depending on the amount you want to make. To do this you have to pierce the can by making some small holes. Then put the can in boiling water for 3-4 hours. Make sure the water doesn’t completely cover the can.
However, if you are using a pressure cooker, you should not poke holes in the can. In this case, 50 minutes will be enough to get your dulce de leche.
Recipe 2
This recipe is as simple as the previous one. In this case, pour the condensed milk into a pot and put it over low heat. Then stir constantly until ready.
Recipe 3
The microwave version could not be missing. If you do not have time or desire to be all afternoon pending the dulce de leche. To do this, pour the condensed milk into a microwaveable bowl and leave it for about 2 minutes on medium power.
To continue, take it out of the microwave and beat it with a few sticks. Then return to the microwave for another 2 minutes on medium power.
Finally, repeat the previous steps, but this time when you put it back in the microwave, leave it for between 15 and 25 minutes on medium-low power. It is necessary to stir it every 2 minutes.
Some tricks to prepare your dulce de leche
If you want it not to stick and lumps, add 3 glass balls to the bottom of the pan, for example 3 marbles.
Do not let it boil at any time, if you see that it begins to boil, remove a few seconds from the heat.
If you are left with lumps or a cut appearance, pass it with the mixer. If you want it to have a smooth texture, leave it less time and for a more consistent texture a little longer. For this you will have to be aware at all times of how your dulce de leche is evolving, since the times are indicative.
Use just the right amount of baking soda, because if you overdo it, the dulce de leche gets too dark.
Variants of dulce de leche
You can make some variations to give it a different touch. Here are some ideas for you to choose from:
- Coconut: with grated coconut or a couple of tablespoons of coconut milk.
- With raisins: as simple as adding some raisins that have been marinated in rum, sherry or whatever liquor you want.
- Walnut: with butterfly nuts.
- With cookies: you can put grated cookies on your dulce de leche or even incorporate them inside.
- To the orange: you can add a little grated orange peel, candied orange or in syrup.
- To the chocolate: add grated or chopped chocolate at the end. You can choose between white chocolate, dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
