ARROZ A LA CUBANA WITH CALIFORNIA RAISINS

Arroz a la cubana or Cuban-style rice is a popular dish in the Philippines. The meat vegetable mixture in this menu is so tasty and flavorful. You can prepare this for your healthy and special dinner.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

4 tbsp. vegetable oil

2 tbsp. garlic, chopped

½ cup white onions, chopped

½ cup red tomatoes, chopped

250 g ground pork

500 g ground beef

3 tbsp. light soy sauce

½ cup potatoes, peeled and diced

¼ cup red bell pepper, diced

¼ cup green bell pepper, diced

1/3 cup California raisins

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. ground black pepper

2 tsp. brown sugar

¼ cup frozen green peas

½ cup tomato catchup

ACCOMPANIMENT:

6 pieces ripe plantains, peeled and sliced lengthwise

½ cup vegetable oil

8 eggs

5 cups freshly cooked rice

PROCEDURE:

1. In a heavy stockpot, heat oil and sauté the garlic and until light brown, then add onions and cook until transparent.

2. Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes.

3. Stir in the ground pork and beef then add the light soy sauce.

4. Add potatoes, red and green bell pepper, California raisins, salt, pepper and brown sugar and stir constantly.

5. Add the green peas and the catchup and simmer for 3 minutes.

 METHOD FOR PLANTAIN:

In separate skillet, heat the vegetable oil and fry the plantain slices until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

Plantain can be sliced lengthwise into 3 parts. Add paprika or chili sauce for those who enjoy a spicy meal.

On a large platter, arrange the cooked rice with the meat in the center topped with fried eggs and surround the sides of the platter with the fried plantain slices. Serve hot.

Plantains  also referred to as “ cooking banana” used for cooking.