How to Prepare Arroz Caldo: A Hearty Filipino Rice Soup
Arroz caldo, a traditional Filipino rice soup, is a comforting and flavorful dish that warms the soul on a cold day. Made with fragrant rice, chicken, ginger, and a medley of spices, this soup is a staple in Filipino cuisine. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, preparing arroz caldo is a delightful experience. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to prepare arroz caldo, ensuring that you can enjoy this delicious soup in your own home.
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
– 2 cups of long-grain rice
– 1 whole chicken (about 3 to 4 pounds), cut into pieces
– 2 tablespoons of ginger, minced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
– 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
– 8 cups of water
– Salt, to taste
– 1/2 cup of carrots, sliced
– 1/2 cup of green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup of bell peppers, sliced
– 1/2 cup of long beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup of green onions, chopped
– 1/4 cup of calamansi juice (optional)
Instructions
1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is essential to remove excess starch, which can make the soup cloudy.
2. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the chicken pieces, ginger, onion, garlic, fish sauce, black pepper, turmeric, and cumin. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
3. While the chicken is simmering, heat the cooking oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the carrots, green beans, bell peppers, and long beans. Sauté for about 3 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly tender.
4. Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Using a fork, shred the chicken meat into small pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
5. Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot, along with the green onions and calamansi juice. Stir well to combine.
6. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir gently. Continue to simmer for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the soup has thickened.
7. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions and calamansi juice.
Now that you know how to prepare arroz caldo, you can enjoy this comforting soup whenever you want. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a cozy meal, arroz caldo is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Buon appetito!
