Arroz con pollo (chicken with rice)

arroz_con_pollo_(chicken_with_rice)

Arroz con pollo, or chicken with rice, is one of the most popular and beloved dishes in Colombia. It’s a classic staple food that can be found in almost every Colombian household and is typically served for lunch or dinner. This flavorful and satisfying dish is easy to prepare and contains simple ingredients that you may already have on hand.

The foundation of arroz con pollo is Colombian rice, which has a distinct texture and flavor that sets it apart from other types of rice. When cooked properly, Colombian rice is soft, fluffy, and slightly sticky, making it ideal for absorbing the flavors of the dish.

To prepare this dish, you’ll start by seasoning chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin. Then, you’ll brown the chicken in a large pot with olive oil until it’s cooked through and crispy. After removing the chicken from the pot, you’ll add onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the same pot and sauté them until they’re fragrant and soft.

Next, you’ll add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth to the pot, along with a few spices like turmeric, saffron, and bay leaves. This will create a flavorful broth that will blend with the rice as it cooks.

Once the broth has come to a boil, you’ll add the rice to the pot and stir it gently to ensure that it’s coated in the broth. Then, you’ll add the browned chicken pieces back into the pot, nestling them into the rice mixture. Finally, you’ll cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer over low heat until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is tender.

When the dish is ready, you can garnish it with chopped cilantro and serve it hot with a slice of lime on the side, which adds a refreshing and tangy flavor to the dish.

Arroz con pollo is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Some versions of this dish may include additional vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn, while others may use different types of meat like pork, beef, or seafood.

This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, as it contains a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. The chicken provides lean protein, while the rice provides complex carbohydrates that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.

In Colombia, arroz con pollo is more than just a dish - it’s a symbol of home-cooking and family gatherings. It’s often served at special occasions like birthdays, holidays, and family reunions, and is a beloved cultural tradition that has been passed down through generations.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this arroz con pollo recipe is easy to follow and will bring the flavors and warmth of Colombia to your kitchen. With its aromatic blend of spices and hearty ingredients, it’s no wonder why arroz con pollo is one of Colombia’s most cherished dishes.

Ingredients:

1 lb. chicken thighs 1 lb. ground pork sausage 3 cups of white rice 4 cups water or chicken broth 1 onion, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 tomato, chopped 2 tbsp. tomato paste 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. smoked paprika 4 tbsp. vegetable oil Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown them on both sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.

  2. Add the ground pork sausage to the pot and cook until brown. Remove from the pot and set aside.

  3. In the same pot, add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.

  4. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, and paprika. Mix well.

  5. Return the chicken and sausage to the pot. Add the rice and water or chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and tender.

  7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.