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Best Easy Arroz con Chícharos Recipe

Name: Best Easy Arroz con Chícharos Recipe
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 180 g
Ingredients: long grain white rice 1.5 cups; sweet green peas 1 cup; carrots 2 medium; tomato 1 large; yellow onion 0.5 cup; vegetable broth 2.5 cups; olive oil 2 tbsp; garlic 2 cloves; salt 1 tsp; ground black pepper 0.25 tsp; ground cumin 0.5 tsp

Rice cooked with sweet green peas, carrots, and tomato for a colorful family side. This vegetarian dish is a fresh, healthy accompaniment to any Mexican main course.

Cook 45 min Difficulty EASY 195 kcal

#vegetarian #mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

long grain white rice 1.5 cups
sweet green peas 1 cup
carrots 2 medium
tomato 1 large
yellow onion 0.5 cup
vegetable broth 2.5 cups

Seasonings/Sauce

olive oil 2 tbsp
garlic 2 cloves
salt 1 tsp
ground black pepper 0.25 tsp
ground cumin 0.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 36 g 74%

Protein 5 g 10%

Fat 3 g 16%

Serving size 180g

Cooking steps

1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2

In a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté, stirring occasionally, for 3–4 minutes until lightly toasted.
3

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots to the skillet. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring to evenly soften the vegetables.
4

Stir in the diced tomato and season with salt, pepper, and ground cumin, cooking on medium heat until the tomato begins to break down, about 2 minutes.
5

Pour in the warm vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for 15–18 minutes, avoiding the urge to lift the lid.
6

Once the rice is nearly cooked and all the liquid is absorbed, scatter the green peas over the top, re-cover, and steam for an additional 3 minutes using residual heat.
7

Remove from heat. Fluff gently with a fork, ensuring peas and vegetables are evenly distributed. Let rest, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this arroz con chícharos recipe?

The core ingredient is long grain white rice, as it forms the base and defines the texture and integrity of the dish. Sweet green peas, carrots, and tomato complete its classic, colorful appeal and provide freshness, but rice is what gives this side its structure and authenticity.

Q. What is the most important cooking step for perfect texture?

To achieve fluffy, distinct grains, it's essential to toast the rice first in olive oil. Maintaining gentle, even heat during simmering without lifting the lid ensures the rice absorbs liquid gradually. Adding peas at the end keeps their texture and color vibrant.

Q. How can I avoid mushy or undercooked rice in this recipe?

Use the correct rice-to-broth ratio and avoid stirring after covering the pan, which can cause broken grains or uneven texture. Let the rice steam undisturbed, and allow it to rest after cooking so moisture redistributes, preventing mushiness or hard spots.

Q. What are the nutrition facts and is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Each serving contains about 195 kcal, with 36g carbohydrates (74%), 5g protein (10%), and 3g fat (16%). There is no meat or poultry in this recipe, so it is fully vegetarian, offering a colorful, plant-based side option.

Best Easy Arroz con Chícharos Recipe

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