Arroz de Safio with Tomato and Cilantro

Recipe

Arroz de Safio with Tomato and Cilantro

Savory Tomato and Cilantro Rice with Safio Fish

Arroz de Safio is a traditional Portuguese dish that combines the flavors of fresh fish, tomatoes, and cilantro with aromatic rice. This recipe showcases the essence of Portuguese cuisine, known for its simple yet flavorful dishes.

Jan Dec

20 minutes

30 minutes

50 minutes

4 servings

Easy

Pescatarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low-fat

Fish

Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, High-protein

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
  2. 2.
    Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
  3. 3.
    Season the safio fish fillets with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned.
  4. 4.
    Remove the fish from the pan and set aside.
  5. 5.
    Add the rice to the pan and stir well to coat it with the flavors from the onion, garlic, and tomatoes.
  6. 6.
    Pour in the fish or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until it is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  7. 7.
    While the rice is cooking, flake the safio fish into small pieces, discarding any bones.
  8. 8.
    Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the flaked fish and chopped cilantro. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  9. 9.
    Cover the pan and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  10. 10.
    Serve the Arroz de Safio hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Safio fish — Make sure to remove any bones from the fish fillets before cooking.
  • Cilantro — Rinse the cilantro thoroughly and pat it dry before chopping to remove any dirt or impurities.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the dish.
  • If safio fish is not available, you can substitute it with other firm white fish such as cod or haddock.
  • To enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the pan before adding the rice.
  • For a heartier meal, serve the Arroz de Safio with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Arroz de Safio as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Arroz de Safio with a sprig of fresh cilantro and serve it in a colorful ceramic dish to enhance its visual appeal. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and cilantro will make the dish look even more appetizing.