Food Recipe : ARROZ CALDO

Despite its Spanish name, Arroz Caldo is the Filipino version of the Chinese porridge that was adapted to the tastes of the Spanish colonial settlers who patronized Chinese restaurants in the Philippines. As the Spanish could not pronounce Chinese, they gave it a Spanish name for easy reference. “Arroz” means “Rice” and “Caldo” means “Hot”, which makes it a perfect part of the Noche Buena – the traditional Pilipino Christmas Eve feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups rice
• 1 small chicken, cut into serving pieces
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 cloves garlic, bruised
• 1 small onion, chopped
• a fraction of ginger, sliced thinly
• 6 cups water
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or patis
• 2 stalks spring onions, chopped
• 3 boiled eggs, halved (optional)
• oil for sautéing

Directions:

1. Sauté garlic, onion and ginger in a large saucepan and add chicken. Season with soy sauce or patis. Cover for 2 minutes.
2. Add rice and water. Stir thoroughly, making sure that the ingredients do not stick to the sides of the pan.
3. Continue cooking over low heat for 20 minutes.
4. Add boiled eggs if desired. Sprinkle chopped spring onions on top before serving.
5. Enjoy!