Chicken asopao is one of my favorite Dominican dishes. Whenever I visit the island, my mom prepares it for me since I live abroad. She knows that I like to have it with a slice of avocado, a dash of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of spices. So, she always serves my asopao with these accompaniments.
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Servings
8
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
This dish is a cherished Dominican delight and holds a special place in my heart. It's a dish that beckons me home, a fragrant embrace from my roots. Each time I venture back to the island, I find my mother's kitchen bustling with the familiar symphony of flavors. She knows my secret – I savor my Asopao with a slice of creamy avocado, a spritz of zesty lemon juice, and a dash of enchanting spices. With each spoonful, I am not just savoring a meal; I'm relishing a slice of Dominican heritage and a sip of nostalgia.
But what exactly is asopao?
Asopao is a hearty rice stew or soup. It bears some resemblance to Italian risotto, with its own unique twists. It consists of rice cooked in a flavorful broth made with tomatoes, sour orange juice, assorted vegetables, and a protein source. In the Dominican Republic, the most common protein options are chicken, a combination of chicken and chorizo, and shrimp. This dish is relatively budget-friendly and easy to prepare. While it's often enjoyed on rainy days, it's not limited to just that in Dominican culture.
While the recipe for asopao can vary from one family to another, and everyone has their own special tips, in my opinion, two essential ingredients that shouldn't be omitted in a great asopao, apart from the rice itself, are the sour orange juice and pumpkin. These ingredients give it a unique flavor and texture.
Asopao is frequently served at family gatherings and sometimes at impromptu get-togethers with friends. Its affordability makes it ideal for feeding large and unexpected groups with ease.
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Have you ever tried chicken asopao?
Ingredients
3 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon of oregano
1 tablespoon of black pepper seeds
1 tablespoon of salt
1 stick of celery
1 sprig of parsley
1 whole onion
1 green chili
300 grams of ahuyama (a type of squash)
2 large carrots
2 very ripe tomatoes
1 kilogram of chicken, cut into small pieces
Juice of 1 sour orange
2 tablespoons of oil
1 teaspoon of brown sugar
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
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2 liters of chicken stock
600 gr of long grain rice
For Seasoning
For the Bouquet Garni
For the Vegetables
The Main Ingredients
For Cooking
Directions
In a mortar, put the garlic, oregano, black pepper, and salt, mashing them together until you have a paste. Set this seasoning mixture aside.
Make a bouquet garni by tying together the celery and parsley. Set it aside.
Slice the onion, halve the chili and remove the seeds, and cube the pumpkin, carrots, and tomatoes. Reserve these vegetables.
Place the chicken in a bowl and season it with the sour orange juice. Add the previously prepared seasoning mixture from step 1, the segmented onion, chili, tomatoes, ahuyama, and carrots. Thoroughly mix everything, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and allow the mixture to marinate together for at least an hour.
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil. Add the sugar and cook until it slightly darkens. Add the marinated chicken and stir to sear it on all sides. Cook for two minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking, and then continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
Add the tomato sauce, stirring well, and cook for 1 minute. Then, incorporate the cubed vegetables, onion, and chili. Pour in a liter of chicken broth, ensuring all the seasonings are well integrated. Add the bouquet garni.
Incorporate the cubed vegetables, onion, and chili. Pour in a liter of chicken broth, ensuring all the seasonings are well integrated.
Add the rice and mix it in. Add the bouquet garni. Allow everything to cook for 10 minutes. Remove the bouquet garni and discard the chili pieces.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 more minutes, or until the liquid reaches your desired consistency. Turn off the heat and serve immediately.
You can use an slice of avocado and a lemon slice as a side dish. If you enjoy a bit hot, you can add a few drops of hot sauce as well.
