Ingredients

1/4 cup spanish paprika or 1/4 cup sweet Hungarian paprika
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons rum ( optional )
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 teaspoons fresh oregano , chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 lbs boneless pork loin chops , cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chopped onions
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
2 cups arborio rice
3 cups canned low sodium chicken broth
1 cup drained canned diced tomato
1/4 teaspoon saffron thread
2 tablespoons capers , rinsed
1/2 cup fire-roasted red bell peppers or 1/2 cup jarred piquillo pepper , cut into strips
16 large shrimp , in their shells ( optional )
2 cups frozen artichoke hearts , thawed ( can sub 2 cups cooked fresh or thawed frozen green beans )
salt & freshly ground black pepper
Cuban-Style Pork and Rice is a traditional Cuban dish that's enjoyed all over the world for its rich, complex flavor and hearty nature. This recipe combines tender chunks of pork loin marinaded in a spicy and tangy mixture, with aromatic rice that's infused with the flavors of saffron, paprika, oregano, and cumin. Sweet and tangy piquillo peppers give the dish a subtle spicy flavor, while capers add a briny tang that's unique and delicious. If you're looking for a flavorful and satisfying main dish that's perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, Cuban-Style Pork and Rice is an excellent choice.

Instructions

1.Combine the paprika, minced garlic, lime juice, rum (if using), salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, and olive oil in a large bowl.
2.Add the pork cubes to the bowl and stir to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3.Heat olive oil in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
4.Add the onions and chopped garlic and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
5.Add the rice and stir to coat with the olive oil and onions. Toast the rice, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until it becomes slightly brown.
6.Add the chicken broth, diced tomato, and saffron threads, and bring to a boil.
7.Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
8.Add the marinated pork cubes, capers, and fire-roasted red bell peppers and stir to combine.
9.Cover the pot and continue to cook for another 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the pork is cooked through.
10.Serve with cooked shrimp in their shells (if using) and thawed artichoke hearts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

PROS

Cuban-Style Pork and Rice is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

The marinade for the pork cubes adds depth of flavor to the dish, while the addition of saffron threads and fire-roasted red bell peppers elevates its taste even further.

This recipe is also flexible and can be adjusted to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions.

CONS

This dish can take some time to prepare and requires several steps.

It also contains a relatively high amount of fat and calories due to the pork and rice.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While not the healthiest meal, Cuban-Style Pork and Rice does offer some health benefits.
Pork is rich in protein, while rice is high in carbohydrates and provides sustained energy throughout the day.
The addition of garlic and onions can also help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.

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