Arroz con Maduro y Cerdo
A flavorful and satisfying Nicaraguan rice dish featuring sweet plantains and tender pieces of pork, creating a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. This is a hearty meal often enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Pork shoulder(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 large Ripe plantains(peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- 2 cups Long-grain white rice
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.5 cup Tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Achiote powder or paste(for color)
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 2
Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the pot. Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce and achiote powder/paste, cooking for another minute.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure the rice is evenly distributed. - 5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 6
Gently stir in the sliced plantains. Cover and continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the plantains are tender and slightly caramelized.
⏱️ 15 minutes💡 Tip: Avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent breaking the plantains. - 7
Let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use very ripe plantains (black skin) for maximum sweetness.
- ✓If you don't have achiote, you can use a pinch of turmeric for color, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- ✓Adjust the amount of broth if you prefer a moister or drier rice dish.
🔄 Variations
- Add peas or corn for extra vegetables.
- For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.