Welcome to the world of Arroz Valenciana, a classic rice dish that originates from the Valencian region of Spain. Arroz Valenciana is hearty and tasty, and its origins go way back to when farmers would cook rice mixed with vegetables and meat in large pans over an open fire.

Nowadays, many different countries have their own variations of this delicious dish. In the Philippines, for example, Arroz Valenciana has become a staple food, enjoyed by families and friends at gatherings and special occasions.

As a chef who specializes in Brazilian and American cuisine, I have to say that there’s something really comforting about cooking up an authentic Filipino-style Arroz Valenciana. This dish is widely popular across the Philippines, with different regions even having their own take on it. Whether you’re in Ilonggo or Kapampangan territory, you’ll find that Arroz Valenciana is a beloved dish that brings people together.

So if you’re keen to try whipping up your own authentic Arroz Valenciana, then let’s dive right in! Get ready for a true culinary adventure as we explore the ingredients list, step-by-step recipe instructions, tips for perfecting your dish, and more. I’m excited to share this amazing recipe with you – so let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you tired of cooking the same recipes over and over again? Do you want to try something new and exciting? Well, look no further than Arroz Valenciana – a hearty and tasty rice dish made with glutinous rice, chicken thighs, chorizo sausage, potatoes, bell pepper, peas, raisins, coconut milk, fish sauce and tomato paste. Trust me – once you try this Filipino-style recipe, you won’t be able to get enough.

What makes this dish so special, you may ask? For starters, it’s a versatile addition to your dinner rotation. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner with your loved ones, this dish uses simple ingredients that are sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Furthermore, the combination of savory and sweet flavors from the juicy chicken and the aromatic raisins is something unique that you can’t find in any other dish. Not to mention the richness of the coconut milk brings an authentic Filipino touch to the recipe.

Typically similar to paella, but made with glutinous rice instead of short-grain rice commonly used for paella, Arroz Valenciana delivers the perfect balance of flavor that will make you feel like a professional chef right in your own kitchen.

So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let your taste buds run wild with excitement!

Ingredient List

This colorful rice dish is a feast for the eyes and the palate!

Ingredients that make this dish hearty and tasty!

Here is a list of ingredients you’ll need to prepare for your Valenciana:

2 cups glutinous or Filipino rice
2 lb chicken, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 kilo chorizo de Bilbao, sliced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup raisins
1 can (8 oz) tomato paste
1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
1 tablespoon fish sauce

This authentic Filipino rice dish uses glutinous rice, which is sticky rice that creates a delicious texture essential to Arroz Valenciana. You may also use a non-glutinous variety if needed. The chicken thighs are the perfect meat ingredient for this dish, but you can also use chicken breast or other type of meat. Make sure to have everything ready so that cooking will be easy and enjoyable!

The Recipe How-To

A spoonful of Arroz Valenciana is like a burst of sunshine in your mouth.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before starting the cooking process, it is essential to prepare all the ingredients. Dice 2 medium potatoes into small cubes and chop 1 medium onion into thin slices. Slice 1 red bell pepper and mince 3 cloves of garlic. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Sausages

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb of chopped chicken thighs and cook until they are browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

In the same pot, fry sliced Polish sausage and chorizo de Bilbao until they are browned. Remove these sausages from the pot and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Using the remaining oil in the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and red bell pepper until they become soft. Then, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and fry for a couple of minutes until it blends well with other ingredients.

Step 4: Cook Rice

Add 2 cups of uncooked glutinous rice to the mixture, stirring constantly for about three minutes to toast it slightly.

Add 4 cups of coconut milk and 4 cups of water to cover all the ingredients in the pot completely. Increase heat to high heat, bring it to a boil.

Once boiling, stir in cooked chicken thighs, Polish sausage, chorizo de Bilbao, 1 cup of raisin, 1 cup of peas and 3 tbsp of fish sauce to give a touch of saltiness.

Once again increase heat up to high heat. Stir well all ingredients properly for about four minutes or until rice become fully cooked.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Serve hot with your favorite seafood or meat dishes! Enjoy!

Note: Arroz Valenciana is a hearty and tasty rice dish similar to paella. This recipe uses sticky rice instead of regular Filipino rice to make it extra flavorful. And if you want a vegan arroz Valenciana, substitute the meat for your preferred vegetables or vegan protein. Bon appetit!

Substitutions and Variations

A fragrant mix of spices and flavors, Arroz Valenciana is a dish that will transport you straight to Spain.

Looking to switch things up a bit? Here are some creative substitutes and variations to try out in your Arroz Valenciana:

1. Seafood: For a more authentic Filipino-style Arroz Valenciana, swap the chicken and sausage for an assortment of seafood such as shrimp, squid, or clams.

2. Vegetarian: If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, try substituting the chicken and sausage with more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even tofu. Instead of using fish sauce, try substituting it with soy sauce or vegetable broth.

3. Coconut milk alternatives: If you have a lactose intolerance or simply want to cut back on calories, try substituting the coconut milk with almond milk or a blend of cashew and water.

4. Rice variety: The recipe calls for glutinous rice but if you don’t have any readily available, you can also use sushi rice or Arborio rice.

5. Spice level: Want to add a little kick to your dish? Try adding some jalapeño peppers or chili flakes to spice things up. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more mild, omit the garlic and adjust the amount of seasoning to your preference.

6. Cooking styles: If you don’t have an oven-safe pot, don’t worry! This recipe can be cooked on the stove-top just as easily. Additionally, this dish can also be cooked using a rice cooker or pressure cooker for convenience.

Whether you’re making substitutions for dietary restrictions or just experimenting with flavors and textures, these tips will help make your Arroz Valenciana dish uniquely yours.

Serving and Pairing

This hearty dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Arroz Valenciana is a hearty and tasty dish that can be served with a variety of beverage options. Being a flavorful Filipino rice dish, it’s versatile enough to complement different proteins whether it’s chicken or seafood. Adding chopped herbs or sliced peppers can definitely enhance the flavors of the dish.

If you want to enjoy Arroz Valenciana in its authentic Spanish roots, pair it with a glass of red wine. The richness of the dish can balance well with the acidity and tannins of full-bodied red wine. An excellent pairing would be with Rioja which is typically made from Tempranillo grapes and has notes of cherry, plum, and vanilla.

For a lighter option, chilled white wine such as Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc can also work well. Sipping on a glass of white wine while savoring the warm rice pilaf, velvety coconut milk, and robust flavors from Polish sausage and chorizo sausage creates a delightful contrast in your mouth.

To complete your Arroz Valenciana dining experience, serve it alongside vegetables such as roasted bell pepper or stir-fried green beans. You can also accompany it with sliced ripened mangoes or pineapples to add balanced sweetness to your palate.

Whether you choose to serve this Filipino-style paella for lunch or dinner, there is no doubt that it will satisfy everyone’s appetites–it’s rich, savory and jam-packed with flavors that will leave you wanting more after every bite.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

The bright colors of Arroz Valenciana will make any meal feel like a celebration.

One of the best things about Arroz Valenciana is that it can be made in advance, especially if you need to prepare this lovely rice dish for a big party or gathering. Simply cook the rice and meats according to the recipe instructions, let it cool down completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When you’re ready to serve the Arroz Valenciana, gently reheat it in a pan with a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth. Be sure to stir it frequently to prevent sticking and burning.

You can also freeze cooked Arroz Valenciana for up to one month. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as described above.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating leftover Arroz Valenciana is easy and convenient using a microwave or stovetop. Just add a little bit of water or broth when reheating and stir well.

In summary, Arroz Valenciana is a great make-ahead dish that can be stored and reheated easily. So, don’t hesitate to make extra servings knowing that it still tastes as delicious as when it’s freshly cooked.

Tips for Perfect Results

One bite of this savory rice dish is all it takes to fall in love with its bold flavors.

Cooking Arroz Valenciana is like painting a beautiful landscape. Every color and brushstroke plays an important role in the final picture. Similarly, every ingredient and step in this recipe is essential to create the perfect Arroz Valenciana. Here are some tips that will help you achieve that perfect landscape of flavors:

First, make sure to use glutinous rice to get that sticky texture that is characteristic of Arroz Valenciana. Filipino or Thai glutinous rice both work well. Rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.

Secondly, don’t be afraid to play with the protein options in this recipe! Besides chicken thighs and Polish sausage, you can use chorizo de Bilbao, shrimp, mussels, or even cubed pork belly. Just make sure to balance the flavors so that one protein does not overpower the others.

Thirdly, chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces that are all roughly the same size for even cooking. Also, when sautéing them, let them develop some color for more developed flavors.

Next, use tomato paste instead of fresh tomatoes for a more concentrated tomato flavor. Mix the tomato paste with coconut milk for a creamy base that adds a nutty flavor.

Fifthly, add fish sauce to give an umami depth of flavor that makes all the difference in this dish. Just a tablespoon or two will do it!

Sixthly, layer your ingredients strategically by starting with your protein on the bottom followed by your vegetables and rice on top. This will allow all the different elements of the dish to cook evenly and absorb each other’s flavors.

Seventhly, remember to stir your Arroz Valenciana occasionally while it cooks to ensure everything cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Finally, let your Arroz Valenciana rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow any remaining liquid to settle and for the flavors to meld together.

With these tips, you’ll be able to create the most authentic and hearty Arroz Valenciana that is sure to impress any dinner guest.

FAQ

Now, let’s move on to the FAQ section, where we answer some of the most common questions that you may have about this Arroz Valenciana recipe. Whether you’re an experienced chef or new to cooking, these frequently asked questions about the dish will help you achieve perfect results every time. From substitutions to cooking time and storage, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in!

What is the difference between paella and arroz Valenciana?

The method of cooking and the ingredients used sets apart Paella and Arroz Valenciana from each other. Arroz Valenciana is cooked over a stove with basic ingredients, whereas Paella requires baking and special ingredients, including wine, seafood, vegetables, and saffron, which can be quite costly.

Which country is Arroz a la Valenciana originated?

If you’re looking for a scrumptious and filling meal for a special event or holiday, consider trying out Arroz Valenciana. This delightful Filipino dish is created by combining coconut milk, chicken, saffron, and Chorizo de Bilbao with glutinous rice to achieve a vibrant and festive dish that is sure to impress your guests.

What is the difference between paella and arroz?

In regions outside of Valencia, rice dishes are commonly referred to as “arroz” in the menu. Despite being cooked using a paella pan, they are not called paella due to the distinct ingredients and location. Instead, it is referred to as “rice with…” followed by the main ingredient added to the dish.

What is the meaning of Arroz Valenciana?

Valencian-style rice, also known as Arroz a la Valenciana, encompasses a variety of rice dishes from different global cuisines. These dishes stem from the rice cooking tradition that originated in the Valencian Community of eastern Spain.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Arroz Valenciana is an excellent Filipino rice dish that combines the hearty, tasty flavor of Spanish paella with the sticky, glutinous texture of Filipino malagkit rice. This classic recipe is perfect for a special occasion or just as a delicious and comforting meal to enjoy with your family or friends.

While there are many variations of this dish, I highly recommend trying this authentic Arroz Valenciana recipe that includes chicken thighs, chorizo de Bilbao, and plenty of vegetables and spices. The addition of coconut milk and fish sauce adds an extra layer of flavor that makes this dish truly special.

With a little bit of preparation and patience, you can easily make this dish in your own kitchen. And if you’re looking to personalize the recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that you can try. Whether you’re vegan or prefer seafood, there’s something for everyone when it comes to Arroz Valenciana.

Overall, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try. Not only will it impress your taste buds, but it will also give you a sense of satisfaction knowing that you’ve created a dish that has been passed down through generations of Filipino cuisine. So go ahead and channel your inner Panlasang Pinoy chef – I’m confident that you won’t be disappointed!

Recommended Recipes Just For You

About Dora @ Kitchen on Cary

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.

Delicious Arroz Valenciana Recipe: A Taste of Spain