Spicy Arroz con Camarones
Spicy Arroz con Camarones (Spicy Shrimp with Rice) that serves six to eight people:
Ingredients:
2 cups long-grain white rice
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 onion, finely chopped
2 bell peppers (red and green), diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
In a large, deep skillet or paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
Add the minced garlic and jalapeño pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Add the tomato paste and diced tomatoes with their juice. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Add the rice to the skillet and stir until it is well coated with the tomato mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is almost cooked.
While the rice is cooking, season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste.
Uncover the skillet and gently place the seasoned shrimp on top of the rice. Cover again and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
Your spicy Arroz con Camarones is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a main dish accompanied by a fresh salad or with a side of plantains for a complete meal. Buen provecho!