If you love creamy, flavourful rice dishes, then Arroz Meloso is one you will definitely want to try.
This spanish dish offers a velvety texture and a rich, comforting taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you are craving seafood, chicken, or beef, there is a variation for everyone. Each version brings its own unique twist, while maintaining the texture at its core.
In this post, you will get to know different ways to prepare Arroz Meloso, from classic recipes to exciting new variations.
So, if you are ready to cook up a delicious, creamy meal, keep reading!
Key Ingredients for Making Arroz Meloso
- 1 cup short-grain rice (like bomba or arborio)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (hot)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Basic Recipe for Arroz Meloso
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to preparing the base for your Arroz Meloso. Follow these instructions for a creamy, delicious result:
Step-1 Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
This step builds the base flavours for the dish, releasing the natural sweetness of the onions and the aroma of the garlic.
Step-2 Add the Rice
Stir in the rice and cook it for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast. This helps the rice absorb the flavours of the oil or butter, and it also keeps the rice from becoming too mushy.
Toasting the rice ensures it cooks evenly and adds a nutty flavour to the dish.
Step-3 Deglaze the Pan
If you are using white wine, pour it into the pan and stir to combine.
Let the wine cook down for about a minute, which will lift any flavourful bits stuck to the pan, known as “fond.”
This step helps add depth to the dish and incorporates all the flavours.
Step-4 Add the Broth
Pour in the hot broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Allow the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more.
Continue this process until the rice is tender and creamy (about 18-20 minutes).
You might not use all the broth—keep it on hand just in case.
Step-5 Final Seasoning
Once the rice is cooked to your desired creaminess, season with salt and pepper to taste, you can also add a splash of olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavours to settle.
Different Variations of Arroz Meloso
Now that you have got the basics down, let’s enjoy a few exciting variations of Arroz Meloso.
1. Seafood Arroz Meloso
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 lb mussels (cleaned and scrubbed)
- 1/2 lb squid (sliced into rings)
- 2 cups seafood broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make
- After following the basic recipe, add the shrimp, mussels, and squid into the pan once the rice is nearly cooked (around the 12-15 minute mark).
- Stir gently to ensure the seafood is evenly distributed. Continue adding the seafood broth and stirring until the seafood is cooked through and the rice reaches a creamy consistency.
- Season with saffron, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Complementary Flavors
The combination of saffron and smoked paprika gives the seafood Arroz Meloso an aromatic depth. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of parsley right before serving brightens up the dish.
2. Chicken Arroz Meloso
Ingredients
- 2 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on, or boneless breast)
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- After browning the chicken (following the basic recipe), remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Continue with sautéing the onion and garlic. Once the rice is toasted, gradually add the hot chicken broth.
- After 10 minutes, add the chicken back into the pan. Let it simmer with the rice until both the rice and the chicken are tender, and the chicken is cooked through, about 10-12 more minutes.
- Shred the chicken and mix it in for extra flavor and texture.
Cooking Tip
To keep the chicken juicy, don’t overcook it when browning. Let the chicken simmer in the rice to fully absorb the flavors.
3. Beef Arroz Meloso
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew chunks or ground beef
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Brown the beef in the pan (following the basic recipe) and set it aside. Add the onion and garlic to the same pan and sauté.
- Stir in the rice, allowing it to toast for 1-2 minutes before adding red wine if using.
- Add the beef back into the pan after 10-12 minutes of simmering, and continue to cook until the rice is creamy and the beef is tender.
- Season with paprika, thyme, or rosemary, and finish with salt and pepper to taste.
Flavor Tip
The combination of red wine, paprika, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary brings a rich, savory depth to the beef version, making it hearty and flavourful.
Specific Tips for Perfect Arroz Meloso
- Control the Rice Texture and Moisture: Add broth gradually and let the rice absorb it before adding more. This ensures the rice cooks evenly and stays creamy without becoming too dry or soggy.
- Stir Constantly and Manage Heat: Stir gently to release the rice’s starch for a creamy texture. Keep the heat medium to low so the liquid doesn’t evaporate too quickly, which can cause the rice to dry out.
- Use the Right Rice Variety: Stick with short-grain rice, such as bomba or arborio. These varieties absorb liquid well, giving the dish the creamy texture it’s known for.
Conclusion
What truly makes Arroz Meloso special is its ability to adapt, allowing you to customize the flavors and create a dish that feels both familiar and fresh every time.
Feel free to experiment with your own variations! Add your favorite ingredients or spices to create a version that’s uniquely yours.
The possibilities are endless, and the results are always delicious. Try now!