Arroz con Pollo

Yummy, yummy family favorite.  This is a very popular dish with dozens of variations depending on your country of origin.  Some like to add chili peppers and paprika for spice, other areas use saffron and bell peppers.  However you make it, it is always a crowd pleaser.  This is my version.

Chicken & Rice with Spicy Italian Sausage

Ingredients:

1 lb meaty chicken (thighs, legs) on bone

1 lb hot italian sausage

1 lg green pepper

1 C chopped onion

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 C long-grain rice (I use brown rice - NOT INSTANT)

3 C warm chicken stock

1/4 t saffron

bay leaf

oregano

salt and pepper to taste

olive oil

14 oz can diced tomatoes (you may use fresh)

1/2 bag frozen peas

Coat the bottom of a large Dutch oven with olive oil.  Brown the chicken on both sides, about 10 minutes.  Remove chicken with slotted spoon.  Saute onion, garlic and pepper in oil.  Add the sausage.  Stir frequently.  Add rice and brown 1 minute.  Pour in the chicken stock, add saffron, bay leaf and oregano.  Stir in the tomatoes.  Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it on the top of the rice mixture.  Cover and simmer 30 to 40 minutes or until rice is cooked.  Add peas for the last 10 minutes of cooking.