Arroz Con Cerdo
Arroz con Cerdo combines tender pork, flavorful saffron rice, and crispy bacon curls for a hearty, savory dish perfect for family dinners and special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute bacon until almost crisp in a large frying pan. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Pour all bacon drippings into a cup.
- Brown the pork cubes slowly in the same pan, a little at a time.
- Return 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings to the pan.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and saute until soft.
- Push the onion and garlic to one side of the pan.
- Add rice and saute, stirring constantly, until golden.
- Stir in instant chicken broth, saffron, and water.
- Heat to boiling and pour the mixture into a 12-cup baking dish.
- Top with browned pork and cover.
- Bake in a moderate oven (350°F) for 1 hour or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Fluff up the rice with a fork.
- Stand bacon curls in a ring in the center.
- Spoon cooked peas around the edge before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika in place of some bacon or adding a dash to the rice mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon. Additionally, substituting brown rice for regular rice will add more nutrients, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts. Stir in some diced bell peppers for added color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Arroz Con Cerdo with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavors. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This dish pairs beautifully with *Yasuko'S Chicken In Wine for a complete meal or can be enjoyed as a stand-alone dish. A light white wine or sparkling water complements the rich flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Arroz Con Cerdo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the dish to create steam and cover it with a lid or foil before warming it in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. This helps prevent the rice from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arroz Con Cerdo contains roughly 988 calories, with 75g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (149% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (129% of the Daily Value), and iron (100% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the pork shoulder with chicken or beef if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken will cook faster than pork. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms and extra vegetables instead of meat for a hearty dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side to allow guests to adjust the spice level to their liking.
What should I do if my rice isn't cooking properly?
If your rice isn’t cooking well, check the liquid levels. Make sure there’s enough moisture, as the rice needs to absorb the broth and water. Extend the baking time slightly if needed, and fluff the rice occasionally to promote even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).