Arroz Guisado con Habichuelas Blancas
A hearty and flavorful one-pot rice dish where fluffy white rice is simmered with tender white beans in a savory broth seasoned with sofrito, herbs, and spices. This is a comforting and satisfying staple.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.33 cup Sofrito(homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 oz Diced ham or salt pork (optional)(for added flavor)
- 0.25 cup Tomato sauce
- 1 packet Sazón seasoning(with achiote for color)
- 1 can (15 oz) Canned white beans (like cannellini or great northern)(drained and rinsed)
- 3 cups Water or chicken broth
- 1.5 cups Long-grain white rice(rinsed)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Chopped cilantro or parsley(for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sofrito and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Ensure the sofrito doesn't burn; keep stirring. - 2
If using, add the diced ham or salt pork and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
- 3
Stir in the tomato sauce and sazón seasoning. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- 4
Add the drained and rinsed white beans, water or broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
💡 Tip: Using broth instead of water will add more depth of flavor. - 5
Stir in the rinsed rice. Once the liquid returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes.
💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during this time to allow the rice to steam properly. - 6
After 20 minutes, gently stir the rice, moving the rice from the bottom to the top to ensure even cooking. Cover again and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
💡 Tip: If the rice seems dry before it's cooked, add a tablespoon or two of water. - 7
Once cooked, let the rice rest, covered, off the heat for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch, leading to fluffier grains.
- ✓Adjust the amount of liquid if using different types of rice.
- ✓This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the ham/salt pork and using vegetable broth.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced potatoes or carrots along with the rice for a heartier dish.
- Incorporate other vegetables like peas or corn.