Arroz con Costra
Arroz con Costra, also known as 'crusty rice,' is a traditional rice dish from the Vega Baja region of Alicante. It features a flavorful rice base cooked with various meats and sausages, topped with a golden, baked egg crust. This dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the Valencian Community, offering a comforting and celebratory meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken(cut into pieces)
- 300 g Pork loin(cut into cubes)
- 150 g White pork sausage (butifarra blanca or similar)(sliced)
- 150 g Red pork sausage (longaniza roja or similar)(sliced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(peeled and grated)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 60 ml Olive oil
- 400 g Spanish rice (Bomba or similar)
- 1.2 liters Chicken broth
- 0.2 g Saffron threads
- 1 tsp Salt
- 6 large Eggs
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F).
💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated for optimal crust formation. - 2
In a large, oven-safe casserole dish or paella pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and pork, and sauté until lightly golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the sliced sausages and cook for another 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the grated tomatoes and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes have softened.
- 4
Stir in the rice, saffron threads, and salt. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 5
Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- 6
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with chopped parsley and a pinch of salt.
💡 Tip: Ensure the eggs are well combined with the parsley. - 7
Remove the casserole dish from the heat. Pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the rice. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the egg topping is set and golden brown.
- 8
Let the Arroz con Costra rest for 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a good quality Spanish rice like Bomba for best results.
- ✓Don't overcook the rice before adding the egg topping, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- ✓Adjust the amount of broth if needed to achieve your desired rice consistency.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include rabbit or chickpeas.
- A pinch of paprika can be added with the tomatoes for extra flavor.