Thursday, November 29, 2012

Mima's Arroz con Pollo {Rice and Chicken Cuban Style}


My grandmother was Cuban, in my opinion she was the best cook and grandmother in the world {sorry mom ;) } She could mend any torn clothes or rag dolls and she could knit too. She taught me how to cook Cuban food and I love the fact that I could call her and ask what or how to do something and the recipes would always taste like hers! She is not with us anymore, but I still have her in my heart and in my kitchen... Great memories! So today I'd like to share one of our family's favorite Cuban meals... Arroz con Pollo! Mima {how we called her} style.





INGREDIENTS:

1/2 Yellow Onion chopped into tiny pieces
3 Cups of white rice
2 Boneless/Skinless chicken breasts*
1 Tsp of minced garlic
1 Can of tomato puree
1/4 Tsp of Bijol  {it's a condiment or spice that is used for Paellas, Chicken, Yellow rice}
2 Tbsp of Knorr Chicken Bouillon
1 Small jar of red bell pepper chopped
1/4 Tsp of Paprika
1 Bay Leaf
1/4 Cup of White Wine or Beer
1/4 Cup of Olive Oil
1 Medium size jar of green manzanilla olives -stuffed with pepper or simply pitted {optional ingredient}


PREPARATION:

1.- Cut chicken into 1 inch pieces. Sauté yellow onion, rice, chicken, garlic in the olive oil for about 8 minutes or until chicken is cooked on the outside. 

2.- Add tomato pure and mix, add bijol and mix. Add water {rule of thumb is 2 cups of water per 1 cup of rice}. Add Chicken Bouillon, bell pepper, olives, paprika and wine {or} beer and mix all ingredients. On top place bay leaf.

3.- Let cook as you would normally cook rice. 



We like to enjoy ours with a garden salad and some Tostones or Maduros (ripe plantains fried). I love cooking this meal in a my rice cooker, makes it easier and once it is fully cooked it turns off on its own. 

*You may use any part of the chicken you'd like, we just love chicken breast because we love white meat. 

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