Arroz con Pollo

Arroz con Pollo in Spanish means "chicken with rice." It is typically made with chicken, tomatoes, green pepper, seasonings, and sometimes saffron. For a new twist, this recipe adds wine and asparagus and is baked in a casserole dish until the chicken is cooked and the rice is tender.

Ingredients:

1 3- to 3-1/2-lb. broiler-fryer chicken, cut up
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. olive oil or cooking oil
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 medium green pepper, coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 cup beer or chicken broth
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. thread saffron (optional)
1 cup uncooked short- or long-grain rice
8 oz. asparagus spears, cooked crisp-tender and drained (optional)
1/2 cup frozen peas, cooked and drained (optional)
1 Tbsp. sliced pimiento (optional)
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1.If desired, skin chicken. Sprinkle with the 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In 12-inch skillet cook chicken in hot oil over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until brown, turning to brown evenly. Stir in tomato paste to help color the chicken. Remove chicken.

2.Add green pepper, onion, and garlic to skillet and cook about 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in tomatoes, beer, chicken broth, wine, bay leaf, the 1/2 teaspoon salt, the saffron, if desired, and the 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Bring to boiling. Stir in rice; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.

3.Transfer to a 13x9x2-inch baking dish or 3-quart casserole; top with chicken. Cover and bake in a 350 degree F. oven for 40 to 50 minutes or until chicken and rice are tender. Remove bay leaf. If desired, transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with asparagus, peas, and pimiento.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.