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Less than three weeks to Christmas! Can you believe it? It seems just yesterday when 2019 rolled in, and we are now in the last month of the year. Ugh, time, you move too fast.
Anyway, I am knee-deep working on new recipes for this season’s festivities. I already have quite a few ready to go and I am rushing to get them up on the blog in the next few days so you’ll have plenty of time to plan your Noche Buena menu.
Along with this Arroz Valenciana, we have, so far, ube biko, special mini sapin-sapin, and lechon manok already posted. I hope you check back here daily and find something tasty to make for the holidays.
What is Arroz Valenciana
Arroz a la Valenciana is another example of Spanish influence in Philippine culture. Brought to our shores by three centuries-long colonization and adapted to fit indigenous ingredients, this one-pan rice dish is made with parts glutinous and long-grain rice, coconut milk, chicken, chorizo de bilbao, and spices.
Although traditionally served during Christmas, fiestas, and other special occasions, it’s easy enough to prepare for everyday dinner meals. As with most dishes, modes of preparation and ingredients may vary from one cook to another, from one region to the next.
It can be as simple with just chicken and sausage as in this recipe or a more elaborate affair with seafood, pork, beef, duck, or even game meats. It’s also common to add vegetables such as bell peppers, cubed potatoes, fresh tomatoes, and green peas for color and texture.
To amp up the presentation, you can garnish the dish on top with bell pepper strips, carrot florets, chopped green onions or parsley, lemon wedges, and hardboiled egg slices.
Tips on How to Make Arroz a la Valenciana
- After rinsing, drain the rice well in a fine-mesh sieve as the excess liquid might affect the texture of the rice.
- I use boneless chicken thigh meat for use of preparation; feel free to swap with bone-in chicken parts.
- Saffron gives the dish its distinct color and flavor, but use it sparingly as it’s a very strong spice and has a bitter taste. For a more economical option, substitute safflower or locally known as kasubha.
- Use a large enough cookware for the rice to have enough space to expand. Make sure it has a tight-fitting lid so the steam doesn’t escape.
- After the rice is done, allow it to sit covered for about 5 minutes to absorb the extra moisture.
Want more ways to enjoy this one-pot rice dish? Try this seafood paella and the Kapampangan version called bringhe. Enjoy!
Arroz Valenciana
Ingredients
- 1 1/2cupslong-grain rice (Jasmine)
- 1/2cupglutinous rice
- 1tablespooncanola or olive oil
- 1onion, peeled and chopped
- 3clovesgarlic, peeled and minced
- 1/2poundboneless chicken thigh or leg meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 5ounces(about 2 pieces) chorizo de bilbao, cut into 1/2-inch thick on a bias
- 1/4teaspoonSaffron
- 2tablespoonsfish sauce
- 1 1/2cupscoconut milk
- 1 1/2cupschicken broth
- 2tablespoonstomato paste
- 1small green bell pepper, cored, seeded and sliced thinly into strips
- 1small red bell pepper, cored, seeded and sliced thinly into strips
- 1/2cupfrozen green peas, thawed
Instructions
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In a bowl, combine long grain and glutinous rice. Rinse a few times with cold water until water runs clear. Drain well.
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In a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions, garlic and cook until softened.
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Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until color changes and lightly browns.
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Add chorizo de bilbao and cook until lightly browned and releases color. Add saffron and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
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Add fish sauce and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes.
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Add rice and cook, stirring regularly, for about 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly toasted.
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Add coconut milk, broth, and tomato paste. Stir until well combined.
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Add green peas and 1/2 of the green and red bell peppers and stir to combine.
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Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Lower heat, cover, and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for about 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork to distribute.
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Garnish with the remaining bell peppers and serve hot.
