Arroz Imperial

arroz_imperial

Arroz Imperial, or Imperial Rice in English, is a famous Cuban dish that has become a staple in Cuban cuisine. It is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Arroz Imperial is made up of layers of yellow rice, cooked chicken, and peas that are then covered in a creamy and cheesy white sauce.

The dish takes its name from the fact that it is served in a pyramid shape, which resembles the shape of an emperor’s crown. It is the perfect dish to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills, as it is flavorful and fills everyone up.

The history of Arroz Imperial dates back to when Cuba was a Spanish colony. Rice was brought to the island by the Spanish, and it quickly became a staple in Cuban cuisine. The dish is a combination of Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavors.

Arroz Imperial is typically made with cooked chicken, but it can also be made with ground beef, pork, or even seafood. The rice is a crucial ingredient, as it is the base of the dish. Cuban yellow rice, which is seasoned with saffron or annatto, is commonly used in this recipe. The peas and carrots that are mixed in with the rice bring out the flavors of the dish even further. The white sauce that covers the dish is made with milk, cream, cheese, and butter, creating a rich and velvety texture.

Arroz Imperial can take some time to make, but it is well worth the effort. It is a dish that can be prepared in advance and heated up later, making it perfect for a party or a dinner date. It is also a dish that can be tailored to individual tastes, with some people adding extra spices, herbs, or vegetables, while others prefer to keep it simple.

To start preparing the Arroz Imperial, you will need to cook the rice with saffron or annatto until it is fluffy and soft. While the rice is cooking, you can start preparing the chicken by cooking it in a pot with garlic, onions, and other spices until it is tender and fully cooked. Once the rice and chicken are cooked, you will start assembling the dish.

The dish is assembled by layering the rice at the bottom of an oven-safe dish, followed by a layer of chicken and peas. This process is repeated until all the ingredients have been used up. The white sauce is then poured over the top of the dish, and it is placed in the oven to bake for a short amount of time.

In conclusion, Arroz Imperial is a mouth-watering and comforting Cuban dish that is sure to impress anyone who tries it. It has a long and fascinating history that reflects the diversity of Cuban cuisine, and it is a recipe that has been passed down through generations. With its layers of rice, chicken, and peas, along with a creamy white sauce, Arroz Imperial is the perfect recipe for any special occasion or family gathering.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of rice
  • 2 lbs of chicken breast
  • 1 lb of ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can of tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup of white wine
  • 1/2 cup of chicken broth
  • 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots
  • 4 oz of sliced ham
  • 4 oz of grated cheese
  • 1 tsp of cumin
  • 1 tsp of oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooking oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

  2. Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

  3. In a large pot, cook chicken breast in chicken broth, wine, half of the onion, half of the bell pepper, salt, and pepper until cooked through. Reserve the broth.

  4. Shred the chicken breast and set aside.

  5. In another large pot, cook the ground beef, remaining onion, bell pepper, and garlic until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.

  6. Add tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Mix well and let simmer for 10 minutes.

  7. Add the bag of frozen peas and carrots to the beef mixture and let simmer for another 5 minutes.

  8. Add the shredded chicken to the beef mixture and mix them together.

  9. In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked rice, sliced ham, and the reserved chicken broth.

  10. Layer half of the rice mixture on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

  11. Layer all of the beef and chicken mixture on the top of the rice layer.

  12. Layer the remaining rice mixture on top of the beef and chicken mixture.

  13. Sprinkle grated cheese on the top of the rice layer.

  14. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

  15. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  16. Let the Arroz Imperial sit for 5 minutes before serving.

  17. Enjoy your delicious Cuban Arroz Imperial!