Arroz con Pollo


 Cuisine: Caribbean  Type: Entree

Arroz con Pollo : Entree in Caribbean cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Chicken
1 whole (1000)
Rice
2 cups (480)
Onion
1 large (150)
Garlic
4 cloves (12)
Bell Pepper
1 large (150)
Tomato
2 medium (400)
Green Peas
1 cup (160)
Red Bell Pepper
1 large (150)
Green Olives
1 cup (180)
Cilantro
0.5 cup (20)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (2)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (2)
Salt
1 teaspoon (6)
Pepper
0.5 teaspoon (3)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Chicken Broth
4 cups (960)
Lime Juice
2 tablespoons (30)
 Totals
132 oz (3,733 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Rice
206
Chicken
335
Onion
44
Garlic
4
Bell Pepper
24
Tomato
22
Peas
62
Carrots
41
Olive Oil
119
Chicken Broth
15
Saffron
0
Cumin
19
Paprika
20
Oregano
5
Salt
0
Black Pepper
6
Cilantro
1
Lime
20
 Totals
943 kcal

 Steps 


Step 1: Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Step 2: Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices (such as paprika, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves). Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Add chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on) to the pot and coat them with the tomato mixture.
Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 7: Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 8: Meanwhile, add rice to the pot and stir it into the tomato mixture.
Step 9: Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice.
Step 10: Cover the pot again and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the flavors.
Step 11: Optional - If desired, add frozen peas or other vegetables during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 12: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 13: Serve the Arroz con Pollo hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.

Note: This recipe is a general guideline for making Arroz con Pollo in Caribbean cuisine. The specific quantities and ingredients may vary depending on personal preferences and regional variations.

 Substitutions 


- Chicken: Substitute with turkey, pork, or shrimp. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Rice: Substitute with quinoa, couscous, or bulgur. Adjust cooking time and liquid quantity accordingly.
- Onion: Substitute with shallots or leeks.
- Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder or granulated garlic. Use half the amount specified in the recipe.
- Bell pepper: Substitute with poblano pepper or Anaheim pepper.
- Tomato: Substitute with tomato sauce or canned diced tomatoes. Adjust liquid quantity accordingly.
- Chicken broth: Substitute with vegetable broth or water with bouillon cubes.
- Saffron: Substitute with turmeric or annatto powder. Adjust quantity according to taste.
- Cumin: Substitute with ground coriander or chili powder. Adjust quantity according to taste.
- Paprika: Substitute with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. Adjust quantity according to taste.
- Oregano: Substitute with dried thyme or basil. Adjust quantity according to taste.
- Bay leaves: Omit if not available or substitute with dried thyme or basil.
- Peas: Substitute with green beans or corn.
- Olive oil: Substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust according to taste preferences.
- Lemon juice: Substitute with lime juice or white vinegar. Adjust quantity according to taste.

Note: These substitutions and alterations are suggestions and may alter the flavor profile of the dish. Adjustments to cooking time, liquid quantity, and seasoning should be made based on personal preferences and taste.

 Pairings 


- Plantains
- Black beans and rice
- Fried yuca
- Avocado salad
- Tostones (fried green plantains)
- Mojo sauce
- Caribbean coleslaw
- Fried sweet potatoes
- Coconut rice
- Mango salsa

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or microgreens for a pop of color.
- Serve in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for an upscale touch.
- Use a ring mold to shape the rice and chicken into a neat, compact stack.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a handful of sautéed bell peppers and onions for added crunch and sweetness.
- Incorporate a splash of coconut milk into the cooking liquid for a creamy and tropical twist.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality, organic chicken thighs or breast for a more tender and flavorful meat.
- Substitute regular white rice with fragrant basmati or jasmine rice for an elevated experience.
- Include a handful of saffron threads to infuse the dish with a luxurious aroma and a subtle golden hue.

 Diet Restrictions 


1. Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth or homemade broth to control the amount of salt in the dish.

2. Decrease fat content: Trim visible fat from the chicken and remove the skin before cooking. Use lean cuts of chicken, such as boneless, skinless chicken breast, instead of fattier cuts.

3. Increase fiber: Substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa to add more fiber to the dish.

4. Lower calorie intake: Use cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil instead of frying the chicken in oil. This will help reduce the overall calorie content.

5. Cater to gluten-free diets: Ensure that all ingredients, such as chicken broth and seasonings, are gluten-free. Use gluten-free substitutes for any wheat-based ingredients, like breadcrumbs or flour.

6. Address lactose intolerance: If the recipe calls for dairy products like cheese or sour cream, consider using lactose-free alternatives or omitting them altogether.

7. Accommodate vegetarian preferences: Replace the chicken with plant-based protein sources like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for flavor.

8. Manage allergies: Check for potential allergens in seasonings or condiments used in the dish and substitute with allergen-free alternatives if needed.

9. Control sugar intake: Be mindful of any added sugars in condiments or sauces used in the recipe. Opt for low-sugar or sugar-free versions if available.

10. Increase vegetable content: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, peas, carrots, or tomatoes to enhance the nutritional value of the dish.

Remember to always consult with individuals regarding their specific dietary needs and preferences to ensure the adjustments align with their requirements.

 Healthy Choices 


1. Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
2. Replace chicken thighs with skinless chicken breast to reduce saturated fat.
3. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control sodium intake.
4. Add more vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and peas for added vitamins and minerals.
5. Use lean cooking methods like grilling or baking instead of deep-frying the chicken.
6. Reduce the amount of oil used by using cooking spray or non-stick pans.
7. Season with herbs and spices instead of excessive salt for flavor.
8. Use homemade or low-sodium tomato sauce to control added sugars.
9. Limit the amount of added fats like butter or lard in the recipe.
10. Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to increase the overall nutritional value of the meal.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use boneless chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken to save time on preparation and cooking.
2. Opt for pre-packaged or frozen mixed vegetables to eliminate the need for chopping and reduce prep time.
3. Substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs or pre-made seasoning blends to save time on measuring and chopping.
4. Use chicken broth or stock cubes instead of homemade broth to save time on simmering and enhance flavor.
5. Consider using a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot to reduce cooking time significantly.
6. Replace expensive saffron threads with turmeric powder for a similar color and flavor at a lower cost.
7. Use regular white rice instead of specialty rice varieties to save money without compromising taste.
8. Incorporate canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh ones to save time on peeling and chopping.
9. Prepare larger batches and freeze leftovers for quick and convenient meals in the future.
10. Utilize store-bought sofrito or tomato-based sauces as a time-saving alternative to making it from scratch.