Chicken Arroz Caldoso: A Classic Spanish Dish

Arroz caldoso is a hearty and flavorful dish that is a staple of Spanish cuisine. It is a popular dish in many regions of Spain, including Valencia and Catalonia, and is often served during special occasions and family gatherings. This traditional dish is beloved for its rich, savory flavors and its ability to warm the soul.

The dish is usually served in a large, communal pot, with the rice and chicken cooked together in a flavorful broth. This soup-like dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family and is often eaten as a main course.

The key to this dish is the flavorful stock and sofrito. The stock is made by simmering chicken bones and vegetables for hours, resulting in a rich, full-bodied broth that is used to cook the rice. The sofrito, a mixture of sautéed onions, garlic, and tomatoes, is the base of many Spanish dishes and provides a complex flavor to the dish.

At La Despensa, we have a variety of high-quality ingredients that are essential to making this delicious dish. We carry chicken stock, olive oil, tomato sauce, sweet paprika, saffron threads and rice, all of which are necessary to make this classic dish.

Here is a recipe for chicken arroz caldoso that you can make at home using ingredients from La Despensa:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 200g of rice
• 1 liter of chicken stock
• 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika
• A pinch of saffron threads
• 120ml of olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 120ml of white wine
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sweet paprika to the pot and stir well.
4. Add the red and green bell peppers to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
6. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
7. Add the rice to the pot and stir well to combine with the other ingredients.
8. Pour in the chicken stock and stir again.
9. Add the saffron threads and stir to distribute evenly.
10. Return the chicken pieces to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated.
11. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
12. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
13. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Arroz caldoso is a delicious and comforting Spanish dish that is perfect for a hearty meal any time of year. With its rich flavors and aromas, this dish is a true representation of the warm and welcoming culture of Spain. At La Despensa, you can find high-quality ingredients such as chicken stock, olive oil, tomato sauce, sweet paprika, and saffron to make this dish at home. By following our recipe and using these ingredients, you can recreate the authentic taste of arroz caldoso and share this beloved Spanish dish with your family and friends. Whether you are looking to explore new flavors or simply want to enjoy a satisfying meal, arroz caldoso is a must-try dish that is sure to impress.