Hey there foodies and fellow chefs! Get ready for a mouthwatering experience as I share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Arroz Con Salchichas (Vienna Sausages). This dish is a flavorful and comforting blend of long grain rice, tomato sauce, sofrito, and Vienna sausages. It’s a staple in Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Spanish homes, but it’s also loved by food lovers all over the world.
What I love about the Arroz con Salchichas recipe is that it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require many ingredients. If you’re like me, and you want to create meals that are both delicious and budget-friendly, then this recipe is perfect for you. You can make it in just one pot which means less clean-up time and more time to spend with your loved ones.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a newbie in the kitchen, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. The fragrant aroma of spices and sausages on high heat will make them salivate even before they take their first bite. So go ahead and give it a try! Trust me; once you taste this sumptuous meal, you’ll keep coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring rice dishes? Have you been looking for a meal that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat? Look no further than Arroz Con Salchichas, also known as Vienna Sausages Rice. Trust me when I say, once you’ve tried this recipe, it’s going to be a regular in your meal rotation.
First and foremost, this dish is beyond flavorful. The combination of sazon goya con culantro y achiote and tomato sauce creates an aroma in your kitchen that can make even the pickiest of eaters salivate. The subtle spices in this recipe add a unique Puerto Rican kick to an otherwise typical rice dish.
Secondly, the recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and one pot, it’s perfect for those weeknights when you’re short on time but still want a home-cooked meal. From start to finish, it takes roughly 30 minutes to prepare and cook, which means that you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying with your family.
Lastly, this recipe is versatile. Whether it’s served as a main dish or a side dish, it complements any protein beautifully. You could serve it with chicken breast, pork chops or grilled shrimp. And if you want to modify the recipe slightly, you can swap out vienna sausages for Italian sausage or bacon vienna sausage. It’s also an excellent side dish for big gatherings like BBQs or potlucks.
In summary, Arroz Con Salchichas is a mouthwatering Puerto Rican-inspired rice dish that’s not only tasty but incredibly easy to prepare. Its versatility makes it perfect for families that are short on time and want something delicious yet filling for dinner. Go ahead and give this recipe a try – I assure you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Let’s talk about the ingredients that will make this Arroz Con Salchichas dish a hit. For this recipe, you will need 3 cups of long grain rice, 3 tablespoons of sofrito sauce, 1 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, and 2 cans of vienna sausages (5 oz each). Other key ingredients include canola oil, salt, and Sazon Goya con Culantro y Achiote. You can find sofrito sauce at your local Hispanic grocery store or you can make your own.
If you’re in the mood to switch things up, you could try adding bacon bits or Italian sausage in place of the vienna sausages. Arroz con Salchichas aka “Rice with Sausage” might be a Puerto Rican staple but don’t let that stop you from making it just because you don’t have verbatim all of the “Puerto Rican” or “Cuban” ingredients — Use what’s available in your pantry!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get down to business – making this delicious Arroz con Salchichas. It’s time for action, so let’s dive into the recipe how-to.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons of canola oil
- 3 tablespoons of sofrito sauce
- 1 can (5-oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cans Vienna sausages (5 oz each)
- 4 cups hot water
- Sazon Goya con Culantro y Achiote
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: In a pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Vienna sausages and sauté them for two minutes. Then, remove them and set them aside.
Step 2: Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Stir in the sofrito sauce to allow it to cook for a minute or two. Add the tomato sauce, stir well, and let it cook for another minute.
Step 3: Return the pre-cooked sausage to the pot and mix well with the sauce. Add 3 cups of long-grain rice to the pot.
Step 4: Stir the mixture ensuring that both rice and sausages are evenly distributed throughout the pot. Add a dash of Sazon Goya con Culantro y Achiote seasoning.
Step 5: Pour enough hot water until it is approximately half an inch above the rice level in the pot while stirring continuously.
Step 6: Turn up the heat to high until it boils vigorously; then reduce to low heat for about 20 minutes. It is now important that you do not touch, uncover, or even stir your dish after this point.
Step 7: After twenty minutes, check out your dish by taking a fork and removing a small amount of rice. Check that it’s soft enough and the water has evaporated.
Step 8: Turn off heat and fluff rice with a fork. Mix in the pre-cooked Vienna sausages.
And there you have it, easy-peasy Arroz con Salchichas like a pro!
Substitutions and Variations
Alright my friends, let’s talk substitutions! This recipe is super flexible, so if you’re missing an ingredient or just feel like mixing things up, I’ve got some recommendations for you.
First things first, let’s talk about the star of the show: Vienna sausages. These salty little guys may be an acquired taste for some, but I promise they make this dish so delicious. However, if you don’t have them on hand or simply don’t like them, don’t fret. You can substitute with any type of sausage that you prefer. Italian sausage would be a great option if you’re craving something with a little more spice.
And what about the rice? The traditional recipe calls for long grain white rice, but you could easily swap it out for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. It may require some additional cooking time depending on your choice, but just keep an eye on it and make sure it’s cooked through.
Now let’s talk about the sofrito sauce. If you cannot find it at your local grocery store or you simply wish to make it from scratch, all you need is a mixture of bell peppers, onion, garlic, and tomato sauce. Sauté them until fragrant and then blend them in a food processor until smooth.
If capers aren’t your thing or you don’t have any on hand, feel free to leave them out completely or substitute with sliced green olives. And for those who lean towards spicy flavors, add some hot sauce or chili pepper flakes to your liking.
Last but not least, I encourage some experimentation in your kitchen! Add some corn (con maiz) to the mix or switch things up with the classic Puerto Rican dish “arroz con gandules”. You can even throw in some veggies like peas and carrots or go bold with fried rice and vegetables.
At the end of the day my friends, cooking is an art and there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. So grab those ingredients you have on hand and get creative!
Serving and Pairing
Let’s talk about serving and pairing this delicious Arroz Con Salchichas rice dish that is sure to tickle your taste buds. This sausages and rice recipe is a fantastic one-pot meal that is meant to be shared with friends and family.
The good news is that this dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including empanadas, plantains, or cornbread. You can also serve it alongside a crisp garden salad for a nutritious addition to your meal.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add some capers to the dish for an extra salty flavor. The acidity of the capers complements well the richness of the tomato sauce and sausage flavors. You can also slice some fresh vegetables like bell peppers or scallions on top of the dish right before serving for an added crunch.
This Arroz Con Salchichas recipe is also an excellent match for red or white wines. A medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir fits nicely with the richly flavored sausages while the bright and acidic white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc refreshes the palate from the spiciness of the dish. Alternatively, you can pair it with refreshing drinks like lemonade or iced tea on hot summer days.
With its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and comforting texture, this rice sausage recipe is sure to impress your guests and create a warm atmosphere at any gathering. Get creative, experiment with different sides or drinks to make entertaining even more fun!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen up, my culinary amigos. A dish as flavorful and fulfilling as this Arroz Con Salchichas deserves to be made ahead of time so you can focus on entertaining your hungry guests without the stresses of last-minute cooking. Luckily for all you busy bees, this hearty rice dish is perfect for prepping ahead of time!
To make it ahead, simply finish cooking your rice with the sausages in the pot and let it cool to room temperature. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. When it’s time to heat things up, just pop it in the microwave for a few minutes, or reheat it over medium heat on the stovetop.
When storing leftovers, remember to transfer them to an airtight container for maximal freshness. Don’t let them linger in their original pot — no one wants stale rice tomorrow! Stored correctly, leftovers should last up to five days in the fridge.
What about making extra batches to store and enjoy later on? I’ve got awesome news — this recipe is also freezer-friendly and will last up to three months when stored in an airtight container in your freezer.
When reheating frozen arroz con salchichas, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight then reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
That’s it! With these simple tips, you can make your Arroz Con Salchichas in advance, store your leftovers like a pro and feast on delicious rice dishes any time of day. It’s always better to have too much ambrosial food than not enough!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Arroz Con Salchichas (Vienna Sausages) turns out perfectly, I have some valuable tips for you. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be able to make a delicious and authentic Puerto Rican rice dish that your guests will remember.
1. Use Long Grain Rice
The first secret ingredient is long-grain rice. The grains are slender and fluffy, giving the dish a light texture. The rice also absorbs flavors well, so it’s perfect for this recipe.
2. Cook on Medium Heat
To cook this dish, use medium heat. High temperature risks burning the rice at the bottom of the pan, while low heat won’t cook the rice adequately.
3. Know When To Add Salt
While cooking the onion, pepper, and garlic in oil, add some salt to release their juices and enhance the flavor of your sofrito sauce. Just be mindful of how much you put because we are adding more salt as we go.
4. Add Hot Water
When adding water to the pot of rice, only use hot water or boiling water to keep cooking time at its minimum.
5. Keep It Covered
Once you’ve added all the ingredients in your pot, give everything a good stir before setting it to boil. Afterward, lower heat and ensure the lid always covers everything as it cooks.
6. Don’t Over-Stir
Rice dishes like Arroz Con Salchichas require occasional stirring for even cooking; however, there is such a thing as over-stirring. Constantly letting out steam by lifting the lid or stirring too frequently will increase your chances of ending up with mushy rice.
By following these tips for perfect results, you’ll impress yourself with a killer arroz con salchichas recipe.
Bottom Line
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Arroz con Salchichas, your taste buds will never have to settle for anything less than an explosion of flavor. Whether you choose to use Vienna sausages, Italian sausages or chicken Salchichas, this dish can be customized to suit your taste buds.
But don’t take my word for it. Try it for yourself and taste the magic. The next time you’re in the mood for an authentic Puerto Rican rice dish or Cuban yellow rice with a twist, remember the recipe and savor each bite like it’s your last.
With these easy-to-follow instructions and tips, you too can create a culinary masterpiece that will leave your family and guests begging for seconds. So grab a pot, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some Arroz con Salchichas!
Arroz Con Salchichas (Vienna Sausages) Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups long grain rice
- 3 tablespoons sofrito sauce
- 2 (1/4 ounce) packages sazon goya con culantro y achiote
- 2 (5 ounce) cans vienna sausages, save the liquid for the rice
- 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 4 3/4 cups hot water
- 15 pimento stuffed olives
- 2 teaspoons capers
Instructions
- In a 5qt pot,add sofrito, sazón, vienna sausages, tomato sauce, salt, canola oil, olives and alcaparras.
- Rinse the rice well and add to the other ingredients.
- Add the hot water and liquid of the sausages and water to equal the amount of water specified. Turn heat up to medium high and stir well.
- When it starts boiling, lower the heat to medium, and let the rice completely dry out. By now, most of the liquid will be absorbed and you will not see the edges around the rice bubbling.
- Stir the rice with a large spoon, bringing the rice at the bottom to the top.
- Cover the pot to a tight fit with the lid and aluminum foil and reduce the heat to low.
- After about 20 minutes, uncover carefully
- and turn the rice again using the large spoon.
- Cover the pot again with and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Remove the pot and set it on a cool burner. DO NOT leave it on a hot burner or it will continue to cook.
- Let stand for about 5 minutes.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
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.