ARROZ CON POLLO

You cannot do a more tipical Costa Rican meal than arroz con pollo. This dish is so popular (served at fiestas, birthdays, lunch or dinner) that it is fondly refered to as "arroz con siempre." What follows is a basic recipe that you can tweak to accomodate your tastes (more Lizano? more onion? less cilantro? GO FOR IT!).  To make an even more traditional meal, see my entry for TORTILLAS and serve your arroz con pollo with these and a little side salad.

Make desired amount of rice. 

2 plain chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 large carrot, grated.
1 ½ c. peas
2 large stalks celery, chopped fine
1 medium onion, chopped fine
1 large sweet red pepper, chopped fine
1 c. cilantro, chopped fine
Salsa Lizano (cumin alternative)
Salt, Garlic powder to taste.

In a large pot, sauté onion and sweet red pepper.  Add rice.  Add carrot, peas and celery and mix well. Add chicken and mix well. Add salt, garlic, and Salsa Lizano and mix well.  Cover let sit on low heat for 5 mins, stirring occasionally. (This lets seasonings settle, if your rice is very dry maybe add ¼ c. water.) Lastly add cilantro and mix well. 

Above is a variation that I made at home for my family...hope yours tastes RICO! ENJOY!

Pura vida!