Arroz con Costra with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• A pinch of saffron threads A pinch of saffron threads
• 200g chorizo, sliced 200g chorizo, sliced
• 200g chicken breast, diced 200g chicken breast, diced
• 4 eggs 4 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking Olive oil for cooking

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 55g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers, and sauté until they are softened and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and saffron threads to the pan. Stir well to combine the flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the chorizo and chicken to the pan, and cook until they are browned and cooked through.
5. 5.
   Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the mixture.
6. 6.
   Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Allow the rice to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
7. 7.
   In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
8. 8.
   Pour the beaten eggs over the cooked rice, spreading them evenly.
9. 9.
   Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chorizo — Choose a high-quality chorizo for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for a sweet or mild variety. For a spicier kick, go for a hot chorizo.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, omit the chorizo and chicken and add more vegetables such as peas, carrots, and mushrooms.
• To make the dish more aromatic, add a pinch of ground cumin or a sprig of fresh thyme while sautéing the vegetables.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a delicious next-day meal.
• Serve with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables to balance the flavors.

Serving advice

Arroz con Costra is best served hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into wedges and serve it on individual plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To showcase the beautiful golden crust, serve the Arroz con Costra in a shallow baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. The contrast between the crispy top and the soft rice underneath will make for an enticing presentation.