Arroz Con Queso – Rice With Cheese (Bolivia)

May 19, 2023May 19, 20230 1

Tasty Arroz Con Queso recipe for a delicious Bolivian meal

Arroz Con Queso – Rice With Cheese (Bolivia)

by The Chefin Main

Prep

30 min

Cook

30 min

Ready In

1 hour

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	2 cups short-grain rice ( I used sushi rice , which seems to be the only short grain rice going around here )
	1 1/2 cups crumbled queso fresco ( kolla cheese is traditional , but most Bolivian resources seem to agree that queso fresco is a good s )
	1 teaspoon garlic , minced
	1 tablespoon red onion , minced
	1 cup milk
	6 cups water
	salt

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

435

Sugar

Fat

16g

Arroz con queso is a popular rice dish in Bolivia and other Latin American countries. It is a simple but delicious combination of rice, cheese, and sometimes vegetables. In Bolivia, it is typically made with kolla cheese, a traditional Bolivian cheese made from llama or cow's milk. However, queso fresco is a good substitute if kolla cheese is not available. This dish is easy to customize by adding additional ingredients such as peas, corn, or spices like cumin or chili powder. It is a filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Instructions

1.	Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak in water for 30 minutes.
2.	In a large pot, add the soaked rice, milk, minced garlic, minced red onion, and water. Stir to combine.
3.	Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
4.	Reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the rice simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked through.
5.	Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, covered.
6.	Fluff the rice with a fork and add crumbled queso fresco. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the rice.
7.	Season with salt, to taste.
8.	Serve hot and enjoy!

PROS

This dish is a flavorful and cheesy rice dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and add protein and calcium to your meal.

CONS

This dish is fairly high in calories and fat due to the cheese.
It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish is a good source of calcium and protein from the queso fresco cheese.
It is also rich in carbohydrates, which provide energy for your body.
Garlic and onions contain antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties that can support a healthy immune system.