Arroz Caldo Recipe: Hearty Filipino Soup Delight

With the Florida winter bringing unexpected chills – that 40-degree breeze definitely makes you bundle up, especially when walking the dogs! – it’s the perfect time for a comforting bowl of hot soup. My hubby wasn’t feeling his best lately, and it reminded me of a classic Filipino remedy: Arroz Caldo recipe.

Growing up in the Philippines, my mother would often cook this hearty rice soup, the Arroz Caldo recipe, whenever my siblings or I were under the weather. But it wasn’t just for sick days! Arroz Caldo recipe was also a staple for a satisfying breakfast or a comforting merienda (afternoon snack) any time of the day.

Since we didn’t have any of our usual instant soups on hand (a far cry from my days in Dubai!), my mind immediately went to this familiar and nourishing Arroz Caldo recipe. I decided to make a batch, hoping its warmth and flavor would help my husband feel better – and introduce him to another beloved Filipino dish!

This Arroz Caldo recipe is incredibly simple to make and perfect for chasing away the cold. Give it a try!

Yields: Varies (adjust ingredients to your preference)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

1. Fresh ginger, peeled and minced or sliced
2. Garlic, minced
3. Onion, chopped
4. Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
5. Cooking oil
6. Cooked white rice, prepared in a congee style (meaning cooked with extra water until very soft and broken down)
7. Cooked chicken chunks or strips (you can use any part of the chicken you prefer, cooked beforehand)
8. Hard-boiled egg, peeled and sliced (optional garnish)
9. Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Procedure:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a pot or large pan over medium heat. Pour in a bit of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced or sliced ginger and sauté until it becomes slightly brown and fragrant. This step is crucial for the distinct flavor of our Arroz Caldo recipe.
2. Build the Flavor Base: Next, add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes soft and caramelized. Finally, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Adding the garlic last prevents it from becoming bitter.
3. Incorporate the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken chunks or strips to the pot. Stir well to combine with the sautéed aromatics, allowing the flavors to meld with the chicken.
4. Add the Congee Rice: Pour the cooked congee-style rice into the pot with the chicken and aromatics. Mix everything thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to your taste in this stage of our Arroz Caldo recipe.
5. Simmer to Perfection: Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally (every few minutes) to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This slow simmering is key to achieving the perfect consistency.
6. Prepare the Garnishes (Optional): While the Arroz Caldo recipe is simmering, you can prepare the optional garnishes. If using, place the eggs in a separate pot of water and bring to a boil. Cook for your desired level of doneness (I prefer hard-boiled for this dish). Once cooked, peel and slice the eggs. Chop the fresh parsley as well.
7. Check for Doneness: The Arroz Caldo recipe is ready when the chicken meat becomes even more tender and the soup has developed a rich and flavorful taste. The consistency should be thick and comforting.
8. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot Arroz Caldo recipe into bowls. If desired, garnish with slices of hard-boiled egg and chopped fresh parsley.

Enjoy this comforting Arroz Caldo recipe while it’s hot! This Filipino rice soup is not only delicious but also soothing for sore throats, thanks to the warming properties of ginger. Remember, feel free to adjust the amount of ginger, garlic, and onion according to your preference – that’s the beauty of home-style cooking! My Puerto Rican husband thoroughly enjoyed this Arroz Caldo recipe, a testament to the universal appeal of good comfort food. I’m excited to introduce him to even more delicious Filipino dishes soon!

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