Get ready to transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Cuba with this mouthwatering Arroz a la Cubana recipe! This simple yet incredibly satisfying dish combines the perfect harmony of fluffy rice, rich tomato sauce, sweet peas, and a perfectly cooked egg that will turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or wanting to impress your friends with an authentic Cuban recipe, this dish promises to deliver flavor, comfort, and a touch of tropical magic in every single bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Cuban
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup peas
- 4 eggs
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the 2 cups of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky during cooking.
- In a medium-sized pot, add the rinsed rice and 4 cups of water. Add salt to taste. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the rice is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the can of tomato sauce. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Add the 1/2 cup of peas to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the peas are heated through.
- In a separate pan, prepare the eggs. You can either fry or poach them according to your preference. If frying, heat a small amount of oil in the pan and crack the eggs in one at a time. Cook until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your liking.
- Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and serve it on plates. Spoon the tomato sauce and peas mixture over the rice.
- Top each serving with a fried or poached egg. Season with additional salt if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Arroz a la Cubana!
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. Use a 2:1 water to rice ratio for the ideal texture.
- Tomato Sauce Hack: For deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or dried oregano to your tomato sauce while simmering.
- Egg Mastery: For the most delicious eggs, use fresh eggs and cook them to your preference - whether you love runny yolks or prefer them more firm.
- Pea Pro Tip: If using frozen peas, no need to thaw - they'll cook quickly in the hot tomato sauce.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra authentic touch, serve with a side of fried plantains or a simple green salad.
- Make-Ahead Magic: The rice and tomato sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated, making this a perfect meal for busy weeknights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 190mg
