We’ve always been huge fans of Arroz Con Fideos, a vibrant Spanish rice dish that pairs fluffy grains with toasted noodles for an irresistible crunch and flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings a taste of the Iberian Peninsula right to your table.
Originating in Spain with roots in simple, hearty cuisine, this recipe has traveled across Latin America gaining fresh twists. We’re excited to share our straightforward version that makes it easy to whip up in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
We know that selecting the right ingredients is essential for creating an authentic Arroz Con Fideos that captures the comforting flavors of Spanish tradition. Below, we’ve organized them in the order of use, with precise measurements and prep notes to ensure your preparation is straightforward and successful.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use for sautéing and toasting to build a flavorful base.
- 1 cup fideos or broken vermicelli: Toast these until golden brown for the signature crunch.
- 1 medium onion finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Provides aromatic punch – mince fresh for best results.
- 2 medium tomatoes diced: Incorporate for fresh acidity and vibrant color.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: The fluffy foundation – opt for uncooked, rinsed rice.
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Choose low-sodium for control – this is the cooking liquid.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses smoky notes true to Iberian roots.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously to enhance overall flavors.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our authentic Arroz Con Fideos, we recommend gathering essential tools that ensure even cooking and optimal flavor infusion. These items help us seamlessly transition from toasting the fideos to simmering the rice, building on the ingredients we’ve already selected for a truly comforting dish.
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: We use a 12-inch heavy-bottomed skillet to evenly toast the fideos and rice, preventing burning while allowing for quick heat distribution—ideal for achieving that signature crunch.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Essential for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pan, this tool helps us incorporate the olive oil, onions, and garlic smoothly during the initial stages.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our recipe’s success; we rely on a set of these for precise portions of rice, broth, and spices like smoked paprika.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: We need a sharp knife and sturdy board to finely chop onions, garlic, and tomatoes, ensuring they release their flavors effectively into the dish.
- Medium Saucepan: If we’re using homemade broth, this is perfect for heating it beforehand, allowing us to add it hot to the skillet for faster absorption and better texture.
- Lid for Skillet: A tight-fitting lid helps us create steam for perfectly fluffed rice, covering the pan during the simmering phase to lock in moisture and enhance the dish’s comforting aromas.
Instructions
We walk you through crafting our flavorful Arroz Con Fideos, blending the fresh ingredients and essential tools we’ve discussed to deliver a dish with irresistible crunch and depth of flavor.
Prep
First, we gather and prepare our ingredients for seamless cooking. Dice 1 medium onion and 2 cloves of garlic into fine pieces using your chef’s knife and cutting board to release their aromatic essence. Chop 2 ripe tomatoes into small cubes, ensuring they are juicy for adding a bright, tangy base. Measure out 1 cup of long-grain rice, 1 cup of fideos or broken vermicelli, 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. This step sets the foundation, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully when heat is applied.
Toast the Fideos
In your large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers, filling the kitchen with a warm, nutty aroma. Add the 1 cup of fideos and stir constantly with your wooden spoon for 3-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy, enhancing their delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft rice. Be vigilant to avoid burning, as this toasting step infuses a smoky, toasted essence that defines Arroz Con Fideos.
Cook the Rice
Once the fideos are toasted, stir in the diced onion, garlic, and tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release a fragrant, savory scent. Add the 1 cup of long-grain rice, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and seasoning, stirring to coat everything evenly in the oil for about 1 minute to build layers of flavor. Pour in the 2 cups of broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with the lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. The rice absorbs the liquid, swelling to a fluffy texture while the aromas intensify, creating a comforting, cohesive dish.
Assemble and Serve
After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the rice to achieve optimal fluffiness. Fluff the mixture gently with your silicone spatula, ensuring the toasted fideos remain crisp for added texture. Serve immediately in bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired, to enjoy the vibrant colors, hearty warmth, and satisfying blend of soft rice and crunchy noodles in our authentic Arroz Con Fideos.
Make-Ahead Tips
To help you streamline your cooking process for our flavorful Arroz Con Fideos, we recommend these practical strategies that build on the step-by-step instructions we’ve already covered. By preparing elements in advance, you can preserve the dish’s signature crunchy fideos and fluffy rice while saving time on busy days.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
We suggest prepping your vegetables and other components the day before to maintain freshness and enhance efficiency:
- Dice the onion and garlic: Chop them finely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This keeps their pungent flavors intact for when you sauté them.
- Chop the tomatoes: Prepare them in advance and place in a sealed bag or container. Use within 1–2 days to avoid sogginess, ensuring they add vibrant acidity to the dish.
- Measure rice and fideos: Portion out the long-grain rice and broken vermicelli into separate bowls. Keep them at room temperature, covered, for easy access during cooking.
Toasting Fideos in Advance
One of our favorite make-ahead hacks is toasting the fideos early, as this step develops their golden brown crunch without rushing:
- Toast the fideos in olive oil as outlined in our instructions, then cool completely on a plate.
- Store the toasted fideos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This prevents them from absorbing moisture and losing texture.
Assembling and Storing the Dish
For full make-ahead convenience, you can partially or fully prepare Arroz Con Fideos ahead of time:
- Partial preparation: After sautéing the vegetables and adding the broth, cook the rice mixture up to the point of resting (as per our steps). Let it cool, then refrigerate in a covered container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to restore fluffiness.
- Full preparation: Cook the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator for 1–3 days. We advise against freezing due to potential texture loss in the rice.
| Make-Ahead Step | Storage Method | Maximum Time | Key Tip for Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chopped vegetables | Airtight container in fridge | 1–2 days | Keep away from strong odors to preserve flavor. |
| Toasted fideos | Airtight container at room temperature | 3 days | Ensure they are fully cooled to avoid sogginess. |
| Partially cooked dish | Covered container in fridge | 2 days | Reheat on low heat to maintain the toasted crunch. |
| Fully cooked dish | Covered container in fridge | 1–3 days | Let it come to room temperature before reheating for even warming. |
Reheating for Optimal Results
- Use a skillet over medium heat, adding a little broth or water to prevent drying out.
- Stir gently for 5–7 minutes until heated through, then let it rest covered for 2 minutes to fluff up, just like in our original instructions. This ensures every bite delivers the authentic, delightful Arroz Con Fideos experience.
Conclusion
We’ve shared the essentials to whip up a delicious Arroz Con Fideos right in your kitchen
and capture its authentic flavors and textures.
It’s a dish that brings warmth and tradition to any table
so dive in and make it your own.
We’re confident you’ll enjoy every bite
and we’d love to hear how yours turns out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arroz Con Fideos?
Arroz Con Fideos is a traditional Spanish rice dish featuring fluffy rice mixed with toasted noodles for a crunchy texture and rich flavor. Originating from the Iberian Peninsula, it’s a comforting meal that’s spread to Latin America, blending simple ingredients like rice, fideos, and spices to create an authentic, flavorful experience.
What are the key ingredients for Arroz Con Fideos?
The main ingredients include olive oil, fideos or broken vermicelli, onion, garlic, tomatoes, long-grain rice, chicken or vegetable broth, smoked paprika, and seasonings. These elements build a flavorful base, with olive oil toasting the fideos for crunch and spices adding depth to the comforting rice dish.
What equipment do I need to make Arroz Con Fideos?
You’ll need a large skillet or frying pan for toasting and cooking, a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a chef’s knife and cutting board for prep, a medium saucepan for heating broth, and a lid for steaming the rice. These tools ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
How do I make Arroz Con Fideos step by step?
Start by dicing onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Toast fideos in olive oil until golden, then add vegetables and cook until softened. Stir in rice, broth, and spices, bring to a boil, then simmer covered until rice is fluffy. Let it rest before serving, optionally garnished with herbs. The process takes about 30-40 minutes for a delicious result.
Can I prepare Arroz Con Fideos ahead of time?
Yes, prep vegetables a day in advance or toast fideos early to save time. You can partially cook the dish and finish it later, or fully prepare and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the dish’s texture and flavors, making it ideal for meal planning.
How should I store and reheat Arroz Con Fideos?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. To reheat, use a microwave with a splash of water or warm in a skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally to restore crunch and fluffiness without drying out the rice.
What makes Arroz Con Fideos special?
This dish stands out for its unique blend of fluffy rice and crispy toasted noodles, offering a comforting, flavorful experience rooted in Spanish traditions. Its versatility allows for easy adaptations with available ingredients, and it’s simple to make at home, making it a favorite for family meals or gatherings.