Tampa-style chicken and yellow rice
Ingredients (serves 4–6):
- 4 bone-in chicken leg quarters (or thighs and drumsticks)
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes).
- Bay leaves – 2
- Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric – 1 teaspoon (or 1 packet of Sazón with achiote for an authentic colour).
- Chicken broth – 4 cups
- Basmati or long-grain rice – 2 cups, rinsed
- Frozen peas – 1 cup
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
- Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish.
Instructions:
- Season the chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry. Rub with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
2.Brown the chicken:
- Heat a little olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over a medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken pieces on both sides for about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3.Sauté the vegetables:
- In the same pan, add the onion, garlic and bell pepper. Cook until softened, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, turmeric (or Sazón) and bay leaves. Cook for a further two minutes.
4.Add the rice and broth:
- Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat it in the seasonings.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to the boil.
5.Simmer with the chicken:
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- Return the browned chicken to the pan and nestle it into the rice.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 75°C/165°F).
6.Add the peas and garnish:
- Stir in the peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from the heat, place the halved hard-boiled eggs on top and sprinkle with parsley or coriander.
Serve!
- Serve hot with a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
💡 Tips for an authentic Tampa flavour:
- Many Tampa families add a pinch of saffron along with turmeric for depth of flavour.
- Browning the chicken well at the start is key to achieving a rich flavour.
- You can prepare it a day ahead — it reheats beautifully!
ENJOY!
