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!