Cuban White Rice and Fried Eggs (Arroz y Huevos Frito)

Traditional Cuban White Rice and Fried Eggs (Arroz y Huevos Frito)

This is definitely one of those comfort foods I grew up having more often than not. It was easy to make and amazing to eat. As I got older I experimented with adding some fresh basil, or Mrs Dash and either way found it always makes me smile and fills my tummy.

Between prep time (5 minutes) and actual serving time is about 40 minutes. Well worth the time, trust me. It will be reduced to about 15 minutes if you have a rice maker. This is one dish you will love to make over and over again. Enjoy and let me know if you make it. Would love to know your thoughts.

INGREDIENTS

• White Rice 

  • 1 cup White Rice

  • 2 cups Water

  • 1 teaspoon of oil. Helps rice not stick to the bottom of the pan.

  • 1 teaspoon Salt recommended. However, I do not use salt in my recipes.

• Fried Eggs Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons Oil or tablespoon of butter

  • 4 Eggs large

  • Pinch Mrs Dash (any flavor) - optional

  • Fresh basil leaves – optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Make the rice

• If you do not have a rice maker, bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan.

• Add the white rice and salt to the pan, stir well.

• Lower the heat to medium when the water comes back to a boil.

• Simmer the rice, uncovered until most of the water has cooked out and the rice can be seen on the surface, approximately 7-9 minutes. Stir the rice to make sure it’s not sticking to the bottom.

• Give it one stir; lower the heat to low and cover the pot.

• Cook the rice for 20-25 minutes or until done. Do not stir after it’s covered.

• Fluff with a fork and keep covered on low heat while you fry the eggs.

Fry the eggs

• Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

• Gently crack the egg 2 two at a time and maintain separated and place in pan.

• Cook the egg for approximately 2 minutes until the egg white is set.

• Cook for 10-15 seconds for over-easy (an extra 30-45 seconds for over-medium). Leave the yolk soft so you can mix it with the rice.

• Repeat with the remaining eggs, wiping the skillet and adding fresh oil/butter between batches if needed.

• Serve the fried egg over a bed of white rice. Add ketchup if desired.

RECIPE TIPS

• If you need more rice: the water to rice ratio for white rice is 2 to 1. For example: if you’re making 2 cups of rice add 4 cups of water.

• For best results use a non-stick skillet to fry eggs.

• Side dish suggestions. This rice and egg dish is delicious on its own, but a side dish is always welcomed. Try it with fried sweet plantains (maduros), French fries, or tostones (fried green plantains), and of course, don't forget the Cuban bread if possible.

Serves: 4