Arroz Con Alcachofas

Yesterday, I told you about my Peruvian chicken or pollo la brasa Peruvian Chicken Con Salsa Aji Verde . Today I am going to share the rice dish I served it with, called arroz con alcachofas or rice with artichokes. I actually combined two different recipes, and then added my own personal touches as well to create this delicious Peruvian side dish.

Artichokes are native to the Mediterranean and have been growing wild since ancient times. They were mainly localized to the Mediterranean until the 19th century when European immigrants introduced the plant to South America where it became highly naturalized in Peru, Chile and the other southern countries of South America. When in season, they grow abundantly and are very popular, used in all kinds of dishes.

Artichokes do not like cold weather, and are grown in regions where the temperature is pretty moderate year round. Italy is the number one producer of artichokes in the world, followed by Egypt, Spain and Peru. In the United States, they are almost exclusively grown in California.

Arroz Con Alcachofas

1 1/2 cups rice

1/2 onion, diced

1/2 tsp saffron threads

1/2 cup dry white wine

3 cups chicken broth

1 can artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed and quartered

1 TBSP garlic

salt & pepper to taste

1 – 1 1/2 cup chopped tomates

1/4 cup Peruvian peppers

butter and olive oil for cooking

Get a large skillet very hot and add the butter and olive oil. Add the onions and cook for about 2 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add the rice and saute in the butter and oil until it is all coated, for about 1 minute.

Add the rest of the ingredients, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly evaporated, stirring occasionally to make sure the rice doesn’t stick.

When the rice is ready, serve it with your favorite main course, such as pollo la brasa, and desfruitas! Enjoy!

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.