Delicious and Nutritious: Easy Arroz Con Cebolla Recipe
In the kitchen, the aroma of onions sizzling in olive oil is a classic smell that likely evokes memories of many different dishes. One such dish that takes advantage of this ingredient and its unique flavor profile is Arroz con Cebolla, a beloved Puerto Rican dish. This dish is the perfect way to showcase just how delicious onions can be when they’re given the chance to shine.
Before we get started, it’s important to note that this recipe isn’t just about punching up the flavor of some basic white rice by adding a bit of onion. The key to making truly delicious Arroz con Cebolla is taking your time and coaxing out rich, caramelized flavors from both the onions and the rice. This is not a quick and easy recipe, but it’s definitely worth the time spent if you’re a fan of comforting rice dishes.
So if you’re ready to cook up some serious onion goodness, grab your long-grain rice and let’s get started on this journey towards culinary bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a lover of good cuisine, get ready because you’ll be delighted to savor this incredible dish that will conquer your palate with its intense flavors and textures. The Arroz Con Cebolla, also known as Rice with Onions, is a classic recipe that combines perfectly caramelized onions and long-grain rice with rich and savory ingredients like bacon, beef broth, and garlic.
This dish is a must try for several reasons. First, it’s an incredibly versatile recipe that can be served as a side dish or the main course. The onions are cooked until they caramelize, which gives them a deep and complex flavor, adding an incredible depth to the dish. Second, it’s a favorite dish in Puerto Rican cuisine, where it’s often cooked together with pigeon peas (arroz con gandules) as part of traditional celebrations. Lastly, cooking this recipe is easy to follow, requiring only minimal effort but resulting in impressive results.
But why stop there? There are endless options you can do with this recipe if you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen. For example, add some Coca-Cola or cut bacon to change up the taste profile while still retaining the delicious essence of caramelized onions.
So whether you’re looking for something quick and easy for dinner tonight or want to impress guests at your next party, Arroz Con Cebolla is guaranteed to satisfy your hunger and make your event feel all the more special. Trust me; you won’t be able to resist taking seconds!
Ingredient List
Let me tell you about the ingredients that are necessary to make this delicious rice dish. First and foremost, we need 2 cups of long grain white rice. Then, for an extra layer of smoky flavor, cut bacon into small pieces and use it as an ingredient in the recipe. Additionally, we will need 1 large onion, finely diced. For a touch of savory flavor and aroma, use garlic cloves. You need one teaspoon of finely chopped garlic for this recipe.
For seasoning the Arroz con Cebolla, a tablespoon of olive oil is essential. Add salt according to your taste preference. Finally, you’ll need approximately 3 cups of water or beef broth to cook the rice.
The Recipe How-To
After gathering all the ingredients, it’s time to start preparing the Arroz Con Cebolla recipe! This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes about 30 minutes to make.
Step 1: Cook the bacon and onions
Start by cooking 4 slices of cut bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet. Add 1 large onion, which has been cut into small pieces, to the skillet and cook until caramelized.
Step 2: Add garlic and rice
Next, add 1 teaspoon of finely chopped garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for one minute. Then add 2 cups of long grain white rice to the skillet and stir until the rice is coated with bacon grease.
Step 3: Add liquid and bring to a boil
Add 4 cups of water or beef broth to the skillet and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender.
Step 4: Final touches
When most of the liquid is gone and you can see holes in the rice, add back in the cooked bacon that was set aside earlier. Mix everything together for a couple of minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve this delicious Arroz Con Cebolla warm as a side dish or pair it with your favorite meat dishes like bistec encebollado.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, creativity is the spice of life! So don’t be afraid to make this Arroz con Cebolla recipe your own with some substitutions and variations.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try using brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice is a whole grain and is packed with more fiber and nutrients than its white counterpart. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try using quinoa or wild rice for a twist on this classic dish.
For those who love a little heat, add some jalapeño peppers or red pepper flakes to give your Arroz con Cebolla a spicy kick. Alternatively, you can also add some bell peppers or tomatoes to give the dish a fresh burst of flavor.
If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can substitute it for salt pork or ham hock. And if you’re vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
For those who want to take the dish even further, try adding some pigeon peas – they go perfectly with Arroz con Cebolla and will add great texture and flavor to the dish.
Another twist on this classic is adding caramelized onions on top as a garnish to add extra depth of flavor.
Overall, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can be made to this recipe without sacrificing its delicious taste. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find the combination that suits you best!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this delightful Arroz Con Cebolla recipe, there are several options that can make your dining experience unforgettable. This rice dish is perfect for accompanying any type of protein, from beef to chicken, as well as a side dish or an entrée by itself.
For a traditional Puerto Rican meal, you can serve this rice with pigeon peas or arroz con gandules. The sweet and savory combination of the caramelized onions mixed with the pigeon peas creates a classic flavor profile that will transport you directly to the beautiful Caribbean island.
To create an even more flavorful dish, try adding some bistec encebollado (steak with onions) on top of your Arroz Con Cebolla. The succulent steak combined with the aromatic and perfectly cooked rice make for a mouthwatering combination. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving this dish along with hacer arroz amarillo (yellow rice), another favorite in Puerto Rican cuisine.
If you want to create a unique fusion between cultures, pair this dish with some American BBQ favorites like pulled pork or smoked brisket. These dishes have bold flavors and textures that blend amazingly well with the delicate sweetness of the caramelized onions in the rice.
For those who prefer lighter options or vegetarian dishes, pair this rice with a refreshing side salad, grilled vegetables or soft scrambled eggs. The buttery texture of the eggs combined with the crispy bacon bits brought from the caramelized onions and lightness of the rice make for an extraordinary breakfast option.
No matter how you serve it, Arroz Con Cebolla is a versatile recipe that can satisfy any palate and be enjoyed at any mealtime.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making arroz con cebolla ahead of time can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious meal. You can prepare the rice and onions up to a day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
When it’s time to reheat the dish, you can simply add a bit of water or beef broth to the rice and onions and warm them up on the stovetop or in the microwave. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
If you have leftovers (which is highly unlikely!), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a bit of water or beef broth and warm it up on the stovetop or microwave until hot. But be sure not to overheat it, as this may result in dry rice.
Overall, arroz con cebolla is a great make-ahead dish that makes meal prep so much easier.
Tips for Perfect Results
One of the keys to achieving a perfect Arroz con Cebolla is the correct proportion of ingredients. For 2 cups of long-grain rice, I recommend using 4 cups of water.
To ensure that the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir the rice occasionally. Additionally, allow it to simmer gently so that it cooks evenly.
Caramelized onions can be tricky to master, but with practice, they will add incredible flavor to your Arroz con Cebolla. Be patient; don’t rush the process and let them cook low and slow until golden brown.
When cooking bacon for this recipe, cut it into small pieces and render it slowly. Remove it from the pan when crisp, and set aside until needed. The bacon grease can be used in place of olive oil for a richer flavor.
If you have bacon lovers in your family or you just want more bacon flavor, consider adding additional slices or using a higher quality, thicker cut of bacon.
Another tip is to add some beef broth or French onion soup to the water for extra depth of flavor. Alternatively, if you prefer a vegetarian version, swap in vegetable broth instead.
To add some color and texture variation to your dish, try using a mix of white rice and yellow rice, which combines saffron and other seasonings for a vibrant look.
Finally, don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving. Adding salt and pepper in stages will ensure that you end up with a perfectly seasoned Arroz con Cebolla.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way to making an amazing Arroz con Cebolla every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Arroz Con Cebolla is a simple and tasty dish that can elevate any meal. Its versatile nature allows for endless variations based on personal preference, making it the perfect addition to any household’s recipe collection. The combination of long-grain rice, caramelized onions, and bacon brings out an unparalleled flavor that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Whether you are looking for a side dish to pair with your bistec encebollado or just need something to satisfy your hunger, this recipe is guaranteed to please. With basic ingredients like onions, water, and white rice, it is easy to cook up a batch of arroz con cebolla in no time.
So why not give this recipe a try? Impress your loved ones by serving up a traditional Puerto Rican style rice or put a French onion twist on it with caramelized onions. Whatever way you choose to make it, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the rich flavors of arroz con cebolla.
Arroz Con Cebolla (Rice With Onions) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb bacon
- 3 (8 ounce) envelopes French onion soup
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 large onion, chopped
Instructions
- Cut bacon in fine strips and cook. Remove from heat as soon as is browned. Do not toast.
- In same pan, cook onions.
- Add onion soup.
- Add bacon.
- Add 2 C rice and then add water.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes (medium heat) until done.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.