Arroz Polo Camarón

Spanish Chicken with Pork and Shrimp

This is a hearty chicken and rice dish of Spanish origin; much like a paella, but done on the stovetop in a large pot.  There's something in this for everyone, and feeds a hungry crowd.
1/2 lb pork, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 chicken thighs (bone-in with skin)

1 small red pepper, diced (about 1-1/2 cups
1 leek, cleaned and diced
1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, minced
1 Tbsp fresh oregano leaves, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz frozen quartered artichokes, thawed (I used Trader Joe’s)

1 short grain white rice (like Valencia)
1/2 cup short grain born rice
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp pimenton, Spanish smokey paprika
3 cups water

1 dozen large shrimp, shelled and deveined

Brown the pork in a large pot with a dash olive oil.

Remove to a bowl. Add the chicken and brown on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove chicken to a separate bowl.  Now add the leek and red pepper into the pot and cook about 5-8 minutes to soften. Add the thyme, oregano and garlic, and cook another 2-3 minutes.

Stir in the artichokes and heat through.

Remove veggie mixture to the bowl with the chicken.

Return the pork to the pot and add the rice. Add a dash of olive oil and toast the rice for about 5 minutes with the pork.

Stir in the cumin and pimenton and cook another minute. Return the chicken and veggies to the pot and fold in gently with the rice mixture.

Add the water and bring to a gentle boil.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook about 20-30 minutes, until all the water has been absorbed.

Top the dish with the shrimp and cover again.

Cook over the lowest heat possible for about 5-10 minutes just to cook the shrimp through. Serve immediately.

Serves 6.

Cook's Note:  I used Valencia rice, but you could use whatever favorite rice you have on hand.  You could also use short grain brown rice but I would not recommend long grain brown rice as the chicken will probably overcook by the time the rice is done.