Are you ready to take your culinary skills to the next level? Then, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re going to show you how to make an authentic Cuban dish called Arroz Imperial. This flavorful dish combines the rich flavors of rice, chicken, and cheese to create a truly unique dish that is sure to impress. So, let’s get started!
History of Arroz Imperial
Arroz Imperial is a classic Cuban dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. It is generally made with chicken and a creamy sauce, which is then layered with cheese and a layer of rice. The dish is usually finished off with a crispy topping, usually breadcrumbs or cornflakes, and then baked until golden and bubbly. The name “Imperial” comes from the layer of rice, which is meant to resemble the emperor’s crown.
Ingredients for Arroz Imperial
To make authentic Arroz Imperial, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 4 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups of cream of chicken soup
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups of shredded cheese
- 1 cup of seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup of shredded coconut (optional)
How to Make Arroz Imperial
First, begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, cook the rice according to the package instructions in a large pot with the chicken broth. Once the rice is cooked, set it aside to cool.
Meanwhile, heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, red pepper, and garlic and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Add the tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Next, add the cooked, shredded chicken and the cream of chicken soup to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is hot and bubbly.
Now it’s time to assemble the Arroz Imperial. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the rice on the bottom. Top this with half of the chicken and vegetable mixture and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining rice, chicken and vegetable mixture, and cheese. Sprinkle the bread crumbs and chopped parsley over the top of the dish.
If desired, you can also sprinkle the shredded coconut over the top. Bake the Arroz Imperial in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden and crispy.
Serving and Storing Arroz Imperial
Arroz Imperial is best served hot, right out of the oven. It can be enjoyed as a standalone dish, or as a side to other Cuban dishes such as black beans and plantains. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
In Conclusion
Arroz Imperial is a delicious and unique Cuban dish that combines the flavors of rice, chicken, and cheese. This flavorful dish is perfect for impressing guests at any dinner party, and can also be enjoyed as a standalone meal. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make an authentic Arroz Imperial that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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