Preparation Time
30
Note
Arroz a la Cubana is a very popular dish in Spanish restaurants. It consists of white rice, fried plantains, a fried egg, and tomato sauce, an element that doesn't quite fit with the history of this recipe for Cubans. However, it's worth mentioning that in our countryside, white rice was traditionally served with a tomato-based sauce, the recipe for which we will share soon. There are some requirements to ensure it's served correctly: the white rice should be molded, for which you can use a cup. The egg should be cooked to a medium doneness, although everyone has their own preferences, and the fried plantains are essential, as they provide a sweet and savory contrast. If you're looking for a quick and delicious lunch, Arroz a la Cubana is your ideal dish. You’ve likely had it a thousand times, but here’s the recipe, just in case.
Ingredients
- 2 or more eggs
- ½ cup of Vita Nuova sauce or fried tomato
- 2 ripe plantains
- Frying oil
For the rice
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 ½ cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 clove of garlic (optional)
Instructions
To prepare white rice, most Cubans use a rice cooker. If you don't have one, you can easily use a regular pot.
Rinse the rice, drain it, and place it in the pot or saucepan. Add the oil, salt, and mix them well. Then cover with water and put a lid on it. Let it cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
When the rice is dry, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and cover it again. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
To achieve a perfect result, we recommend using high-quality white rice, ideal for this type of traditional Cuban recipes.
Wash the ripe plantains, peel them, and cut them into 1 cm thick slices, preferably in cross-section. Fry them in a pan with a little hot oil and then drain them on paper towels.
In the same pan, fry the eggs to your liking.
In another skillet or pot, heat the salsa Vita Nuova or your favorite tomato sauce.
To serve the Arroz a la Cubana, place the rice in a mold and turn it out onto the plate. Add the fried egg and bananas. If serving for yourself, you can add the sauce to your liking.
If you're preparing it for someone else, avoid adding the tomato sauce directly on the rice, as it can affect the dish's presentation and disrupt that delightful moment of mixing flavors and colors with a fork.
Servings
2