How To Make Arroz Al Horno - A Classic Spanish Dish - Plus Serving Suggestions
Arroz Al Horno - Rice From The Oven
Arroz al horno is a typical Spanish recipe usually prepared as a week day dinner.
Spanish have their main meal Comida ( Dinner) at around 2pm .
This is a good substantial meal which you could delight your friends with at a supper or lunch party, and recreate your holidays in Spain.
Simple to prepare and no fussing when it´s gone in the oven, leaving you plenty of time to prepare for your guests arrival.
Viva España !!
Ingredients To Make This Dish For 4 People
You will need
Half a kilo of pork ribs chopped into bite sized pieces. Typically ribs are used in this recipe as the bones add more flavour and also help to thicken the stock. But you can use belly pork or loin or whatever cut of pork you prefer.
3 or 4 links of Morcilla Sausage cut into bite sized chunks.( If you can´t get this, or you don´t like blood sausage substitute with whatever sausage you do like).
I also like to add an assortment of other type´s of sausage. You can get packs here in Spain containing a mixture of mini sausages such as choritzo, pork, and other types of sausage. A visit to the deli or supermarket should allow you to add whatever is your own favourite, but I would try to find Choritzo if possible.
500 grams of pre soaked and cooked or canned cooked chickpeas.
3 cups of Paella or round grain rice ( pudding rice).
1 x Medium onion - diced.
2 x large tomatoes - sliced.
1 x Head of garlic ( whole and unpeeled).
1 x large potato peeled and very thinly sliced ( optional).
1 x litre of stock ( you can make this with stock cubes).
A splash of Olive oil.
You will also need salt and pepper - A pinch of Mixed herbs - Turmeric - Pinch of Paprika ( Turmeric is used only to colour the rice so you only need a little of this )
You may also add any vegetables you like. For Instance, Green beans, or Peas, or Mushrooms.
Cooking utensils
1 x 30cm round oven proof dish.
1 x Large frying pan.
1 x Sharp knife.
1 x Chopping board.
1 x Slotted spoon.
Cooking Instructions
First of all Light the oven at gas 4 Electric 350 / 180.
Now put a good splash of olive oil into the frying pan over a fairly moderate heat.
Add the Pork pieces and also the Sausage ( except Morcilla if you are using this) and cook until browned. When browned take everything out using a slotted spoon and put in the oven proof dish.
Now add the onions and any other vegetables and cook until they are softened.
Now transfer the vegetables from the frying pan into your ovenproof dish , with the meat.
Next add the Rice to the frying pan and stir round to absorb the cooking juices.
Now add the Seasoning,herbs, garlic, paprika and turmeric. To your taste. ( Watch the salt though as there may be enough in the stock)
Now add the - Chick peas to the rice in the frying pan and give everything a good stir round so it´s all mixed in together.
Now add all this to the meat and Vegetables in the oven dish. And also add the pieces of Morcilla sausage.
Now pour the stock over everything.
NEXT
Layer the tomato and Potato slices all around the edge of the dish and place the head of Garlic in the center. Push the garlic bulb well into the contents of the dish.
It´s now ready to go into a pre heated oven at about Gas 4 - Electric 350 - 180.
Leave to cook for approximately 45 minutes. Keep checking to make sure all the stock hasn´t evaporated. If it has and the rice isn´t cooked add more stock and continue cooking.
You will know when it´s cooked and ready to serve when the rice is soft and every things nicely browned.
Many Spanish people cook this dish until it´s very dry, but I prefer it when it´s still slightly moist.
Simple Tomato Ensalada
Serving Suggestions
I would serve this dish with a simple Salad and dessert plus some warmed crusty bread, and a bottle or two of good Spanish red wine.
How To Make A Simple Spanish Style Salad
Slice a couple of good ripe Tomatoes and a small Spanish onion. Layer these on a plate and drizzle with a good quality Spanish extra Virgin Olive oil. Dot with Olives, sprinkle with some chopped parsley and serve.
A tip when using onions in a Salad
To make the onions less pungent. Peel and slice thinly and then put them in a bowl and sprinkle a good amount of salt over them. With your hands squeeze the onions well until the salt makes them sweat. Then cover them with cold water and leave to stand for a few moments before straining the water off. This makes them a lot less pungent and softens them too.
How To Make A Simple Spanish Dessert
Layer some plain biscuits in the bottom of shallow bowls. You can use Marie or Morning coffee or Arrowroot Biscuits for this.
Pour homemade or tinned custard on the top and sprinkle with cinnamon . Then pop them in the fridge to chill.
And there you have it , an authentic Spanish Pudding called " Natillas "
Disfruta de su comida = Enjoy your meal !!
Your comments and votes are really appreciated so please leave some..Thanks
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