Arroz campesino, or farmer's rice, is a classic dish in Latin American cuisine. It is a hearty and delicious rice dish that is packed with flavor and nutrition. The dish is popular in many countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. It is typically made with a combination of rice, beans, meat, and vegetables. The exact ingredients and preparation may vary depending on the region and the cook's personal preference. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed recipe for making arroz campesino at home.
Ingredients
To make arroz campesino, you will need the following ingredients:
2 cups of white rice
1 can of black beans
1 can of corn
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 pound of chicken, diced
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of oregano
3 tablespoons of olive oil
4 cups of chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these steps to make arroz campesino:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the cumin, paprika, and oregano, and cook for another minute.
Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the vegetable and spice mixture.
Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, add the black beans and corn to the pot and stir to combine.
Return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Cover the pot and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the arroz campesino hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Arroz campesino is a nutritious and filling dish that is high in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. The dish is also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium. The exact nutritional content will depend on the specific ingredients used and the serving size, but a typical serving of arroz campesino (1 cup) contains approximately:
Calories: 350
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 5g
Fat: 7g
Sodium: 600mg
Variations
There are many ways to customize and adapt this recipe to suit your personal tastes and preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Swap the chicken for beef, pork, or shrimp.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.
Add other vegetables such as peas, carrots, or tomatoes.
Spice it up with some hot sauce or chili flakes.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Conclusion
Arroz campesino is a delicious and satisfying rice dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. With its combination of rice, beans, meat, and vegetables, it is a complete and balanced meal that is easy to prepare and customize. We hope this recipe has inspired you to try making arroz campesino at home and to experiment with your own variations and adaptations. Enjoy!