Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's also quick and easy to make? Look no further than Arroz Con Fideos, a delightful Spanish rice and noodle dish. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a casual weekend meal. It's a celebration of simple ingredients, transformed into a delicious and healthy dish. Get ready to enjoy this taste of Spain from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Ingredients: What You'll Need for this Easy Recipe
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest of cooks. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, broken into smaller pieces
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon ground saffron (optional, but highly recommended for authentic flavor)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Cooking Arroz Con Fideos
Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality Arroz Con Fideos at home:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Toast the Rice and Pasta: Add the broken spaghetti and rice to the pot and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the rice and prevents it from becoming mushy.
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Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the saffron (if using), smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Bring to a Boil, then Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice and pasta are cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to fully absorb the remaining liquid and become fluffy. Fluff with a fork before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Arroz Con Fideos
- Broth Matters: Using a good quality broth significantly impacts the flavor of the dish. Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought low-sodium broth works well too.
- Don't Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the rice, as it can become mushy. Follow the cooking time closely and check for doneness before removing from the heat.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preference. If you like a spicier dish, feel free to add more.
- Vegetarian Variation: Easily make this a vegetarian dish by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Delicious Variations: Making it Your Own
- Seafood Arroz Con Fideos: Add cooked shrimp, mussels, or clams during the last few minutes of cooking for a seafood twist.
- Chicken Arroz Con Fideos: Incorporate cooked shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
- Chorizo Arroz Con Fideos: Add some crumbled chorizo sausage along with the onions for a smoky, savory flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 10-12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
- Fat: 8-10 grams
This easy Arroz Con Fideos recipe is a wonderful addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It’s a testament to the deliciousness that can come from simple, homemade cooking. Enjoy this fantastic dish!