Pequi Rice with Chicken

Ingredients

In the original Brazilian dish, Arroz com pequi, the pequi fruit is the star ingredient, providing a distinct flavor to the rice. In this adapted Central African version, the pequi rice is paired with tender chicken, marinated in Central African spices, to create a fusion of flavors that combines the best of both cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Arroz com pequi, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) chicken, cut into pieces 500g (1.1 lb) chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (200g) pequi fruit, peeled and chopped 1 cup (200g) pequi fruit, peeled and chopped
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, vegetable oil, minced garlic, ground paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the marinated chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Add the rice to the pot and stir well to coat it with the oil and spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
6. 6.
   Gently fold in the chopped pequi fruit, taking care not to break it.
7. 7.
   Cover the pot again and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pequi fruit — When peeling and chopping the pequi fruit, be careful as it has a hard and spiky outer layer. Use a sharp knife and protect your hands by wearing gloves or using a towel to hold the fruit.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find fresh pequi fruit, you can use canned or jarred pequi. Just make sure to drain and rinse it before adding it to the rice.
• For an extra kick of heat, add a chopped chili pepper to the marinade.
• Serve the Pequi Rice with Chicken alongside a fresh green salad to balance the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Savory Central African Pequi Rice with Chicken as a main course, accompanied by a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of paprika and a few whole pequi fruits on top. Serve it in a colorful Central African-inspired ceramic dish for an authentic touch.