Tradicional arroz con pollo ecuatoriano/ arroz de fiesta/ arroz colorado

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner, while chicken thighs are more budget-friendly.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, while vegetable oil is often cheaper.

Welcome viewers and introduce the dish: traditional Ecuadorian arroz con pollo.

Show 2.5 cups of pre-washed rice and mention it is ready to use.

Display canned peas and explain they can use fresh peas if preferred.

Show pre-cut carrots and mention they can be cut into cubes or strips as desired.

Present a large red onion, chopped, and mention it can be cubed if preferred.

Show a mix of green, orange, and red bell peppers, stating they will be used for flavor and color.

Introduce a bunch of parsley and shredded chicken, explaining it was cooked previously.

Mention using salt, turmeric (optional), and achiote for color.

Show a tablespoon of butter or margarine, stating it can be used based on what is available.

Explain the cooking process: for 2 cups of rice, use 2.5 cups of water, but since carrots are added, use 3.5 cups of water instead.

Add 3.5 cups of chicken broth to the rice, explaining that it already contains salt.

Mention the option to add achiote for color and that traditional recipes do not use soy sauce.

Stir the mixture and check the salt level, adding more if needed.

Cook the rice on medium heat until the water is absorbed, then lower the heat and cover to finish cooking.

Prepare the sofrito in a separate pan with 2 tablespoons of oil, heating it up.

Add achiote paste to the oil and let it melt, stirring for color.

Sauté the chopped onion for about 3 minutes until softened.

Add garlic paste and continue to sauté, mentioning that if peas are unavailable, other beans can be used as a substitute.

Season the sofrito with pepper and oregano, adjusting to taste.

Add the bell peppers to the sofrito and cook for an additional 2 minutes before turning off the heat.

Check the rice, ensuring it is cooking properly and adjust the heat as necessary.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: