Making dulce de leche at home is surprisingly simple and only requires a few ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Preparation: Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk. Ensure there are no damages or punctures on the can.
- Simmering: Place the unopened can in a large pot and fill it with water, ensuring that the can is fully submerged. Make sure there’s at least 2 inches of water covering the top of the can.
- Cooking: Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it simmer for 2-3 hours. Check occasionally to ensure that the water level remains above the can.
- Cooling: After 2-3 hours of simmering, turn off the heat and carefully remove the can from the pot using tongs. Allow the can to cool completely at room temperature. Do not attempt to open the can while it’s still hot as it can be dangerous.
- Opening and Serving: Once the can has cooled completely, open it with caution. The condensed milk inside should have transformed into creamy dulce de leche. If desired, you can add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Use it immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for later use.
Tips:
- Be sure to keep an eye on the water level while simmering to prevent the can from being exposed to air, which could cause it to burst.
- Some people prefer to remove the label from the can before simmering to avoid any ink or glue leaching into the water.
- If you prefer a darker and thicker dulce de leche, you can simmer the can for a longer period, up to 4 hours. Just make sure to check the water level regularly.
Enjoy your homemade dulce de leche!
