Arroz con Carne de Cerdo
Arroz con Carne de Cerdo is a hearty and flavorful one-pot rice dish featuring tender pork, originating from various Latin American cuisines, particularly popular in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. It typically combines rice with seasoned pork chunks, sofrito (a base of peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs), tomatoes, and a variety of spices like cumin and oregano, often cooked together until the rice absorbs all the savory juices.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a well-balanced meal, providing a good source of complex carbohydrates from the rice and high-quality protein from the pork. Depending on the cut of pork and cooking method, it can be moderate to high in fat, and it typically offers key nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and potassium, with a rough calorie estimate of 400-600 per generous serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.2 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Zinc | 4 mg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Arroz con Carne de Cerdo is a staple of 'comida criolla' (Creole food), representing the heart of home cooking and family gatherings in many Latin households. Its unique one-pot cooking method, where the rice is toasted and then simmered in a flavorful broth, is a technique that maximizes flavor and creates a delightful, slightly crispy bottom layer known as 'pegao' or 'socarrat,' which is highly prized.
