The Cheap and Easy Rice Dinner I Make Once a Week

I’ve included some videos I found relevant and helpful. 😍

Are you looking for a quick and tasty meal that won’t break the bank? Puerto Rican Arroz con Salchichas might be just what you need. This dish combines rice, Vienna sausages, and flavorful spices to create a satisfying one-pot meal.

You can whip up this comforting dish in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe uses simple ingredients like canned Vienna sausages, rice, and sofrito, which are easy to find and budget-friendly. Plus, it’s a great way to try some Puerto Rican flavors in your kitchen.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Puerto Rican Arroz con Salchichas:

• 2 cans (4.6 oz each) Vienna sausages
• 2 tablespoons diced jarred pimento peppers
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or other neutral oil
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen sofrito (like La Reyna brand)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 large bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons sazón seasoning (like Badia brand)
• 1 cup jasmine rice or long-grain white rice
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

For serving (optional):

• Cubed avocado
• Fried plantains

You’ll also need about 1 1/2 cups of liquid. This comes from the canning liquid from the sausages plus some added water.

Remember to have a medium Dutch oven, heavy-bottomed pot, or large saucepan handy for cooking. A fork for fluffing the rice at the end is also helpful.

With these simple ingredients, you’re all set to make this yummy Puerto Rican dish!

Instructions

Drain the Vienna sausages and save the liquid. Cut the sausages into quarters. Dice the pimentos.

Heat oil in a pot. Add sausages and cook until brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Toss in pimentos, sofrito, tomato paste, bay leaf, and sazón. Cook for 3 minutes. Add rice and stir for 4-5 minutes.

Pour in sausage liquid and water. Bring to a boil. Add salt and pepper to taste.

When you see bubbles in the rice, turn heat to low. Stir and cover. Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring twice.

Fluff the rice with a fork. Take out the bay leaf.

Your arroz con salchichas is ready! Serve with avocado and fried plantains if you like.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily switch up this tasty dish with a few simple swaps. Try using hot dogs or kielbasa instead of Vienna sausages for a different flavor. Don’t have jasmine rice? No problem! Any long-grain white rice will work just fine.

For a healthier twist, swap in brown rice. Just remember it may take a bit longer to cook. You can also toss in some frozen peas or corn for extra veggies and color.

If you can’t find sofrito, try this quick mix:

• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon chopped bell pepper

No sazón on hand? Make your own with:

• 1 tsp each: garlic powder, cumin, coriander
• 1/2 tsp each: annatto, oregano, salt

Feel free to spice things up with a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños. And don’t forget to get creative with your toppings! Try fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or even a fried egg on top.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best flavor, use fresh sofrito if you can. It adds a punch of taste that really makes this dish sing. If you can’t find fresh, frozen works great too.

Don’t skip toasting the rice! This step adds depth to the flavor. Keep stirring until you smell that nutty aroma.

Be patient when cooking the rice. Low and slow is the way to go. Resist the urge to peek too often – that lets out precious steam.

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay yummy for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of water and zap in the microwave. Or warm it up in a pan on the stove. Either way, you’ll have a tasty meal in no time.

Try these fun twists:

• Swap Vienna sausages for chopped ham
• Add frozen peas for extra color and nutrition
• Sprinkle cheese on top before serving

Remember, this dish is all about comfort and ease. Don’t stress if it’s not perfect – it’ll still taste great!