Arroz Caldo is a delicious and comforting Filipino rice porridge dish that is perfect for any time of the day. It is a hearty meal that is commonly enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The name “Arroz Caldo” translates to “rice broth” in Spanish, and this dish is indeed made with rice cooked in a flavorful broth along with various ingredients such as chicken, garlic, ginger, and safflower. Traditionally, Arroz Caldo is made with uncooked rice, but in this article, we will explore a quick and easy recipe for making Arroz Caldo using cooked rice. So, let’s dive into the world of flavors and learn how to make this classic Filipino dish in a jiffy!
Ingredients
To make Arroz Caldo with cooked rice, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Porridge:
– 2 cups of cooked rice
– 3 cups of chicken broth
– 1 cup of water
– 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
– 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
– Fish sauce or salt, to taste
– Ground black pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
– Hard-boiled eggs, sliced
– Spring onions, chopped
– Fried garlic
– Calamansi or lemon wedges
– Toasted garlic bits
Instructions
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions to make this mouthwatering Arroz Caldo.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by mincing the garlic, chopping the onion, and grating or mincing the ginger. Shred the cooked chicken into small portions, and set aside the toppings, such as the hard-boiled eggs, spring onions, fried garlic, calamansi or lemon wedges, and toasted garlic bits.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or saucepan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and minced ginger. Sauté them until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Broth
Next, add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot and give it a quick stir to combine it with the aromatics. Allow the chicken to heat through for a minute or two. Then, pour in the chicken broth and water. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Porridge
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the cooked rice to the pot. Stir well to ensure that the rice is evenly distributed throughout the broth. Let the porridge simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Season to Taste
After the porridge has simmered for a while, it’s time to season it. Add fish sauce or salt to taste, depending on your preference for saltiness. You can also add some ground black pepper for a touch of spiciness if desired. Keep in mind that the flavors will develop further as the porridge cooks, so start with a small amount of seasoning and adjust as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the Arroz Caldo reaches your desired consistency, it’s time to serve it hot! Ladle the porridge into individual bowls, making sure to include generous amounts of the flavorful broth, chicken, and rice in each serving. Garnish your Arroz Caldo with sliced hard-boiled eggs, chopped spring onions, fried garlic, calamansi or lemon wedges, and toasted garlic bits. These toppings add freshness, crunch, and a burst of flavor to the dish.
Additional Tips
– To save time, you can use store-bought chicken broth or make your own by simmering chicken bones and aromatics in water for a few hours.
– Make sure to cook the rice thoroughly before using it for the Arroz Caldo. Soft and well-cooked rice will give the dish a creamy and smooth consistency.
– If you want to make the dish heartier, you can add other ingredients such as diced carrots, sausages, or even shrimps to the porridge.
– Adjust the amount of water based on your preference for a thinner or thicker consistency of the porridge. You can always add more water if needed during the cooking process.
– If you don’t have chicken broth or prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute vegetable broth or even plain water in the recipe.
– Arroz Caldo is best enjoyed hot and fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or water if needed.
Now that you know how to make Arroz Caldo with cooked rice, you can easily whip up this flavorful dish whenever you crave a warm and comforting meal. Whether it’s a chilly morning, a rainy afternoon, or a cozy evening at home, this Filipino rice porridge will surely satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling nourished. So, gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in a bowl of Arroz Caldo made with love!