Caribbean Comfort: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Dominican Arroz con Pollo

Caribbean Comfort: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Dominican Arroz con Pollo

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this classic Dominican dish of Arroz con Pollo. This savory and comforting meal combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice, creating a harmony of tastes that will transport you to the sunny shores of the Dominican Republic. Follow this step-by-step guide to embark on a culinary journey filled with warmth and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
• 2 cups of long-grain white rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups of chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup of green peas
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and paprika.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the onions, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
5. Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the vegetable mixture.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, then return the chicken pieces to the skillet.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
8. Sprinkle the green peas over the top, cover, and let them heat through for a few minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Cooking Tips:

• For added flavor, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with coconut milk.
• Feel free to add additional vegetables like carrots or corn for extra color and nutrients.
• To make this dish spicy, you can include a chopped chili pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Duration:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Serving Size:

This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g

Difficulty Level:

Easy

Tags:

Comfort Food, Caribbean Cuisine, One-Pot Meal

Keywords: Dominican Arroz con Pollo, Caribbean recipe, comfort food, Dominican cuisine, chicken and rice, one-pot meal, Caribbean flavors, Latin American cooking, easy recipe, family dinner