Cuban Rice and Eggs Dinner

Cuban Rice and Eggs Dinner is a delightful dish that brings together vibrant flavors and comforting textures. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to the sunny streets of Cuba with every bite. The combination of brown rice, ground turkey, vegetables, and eggs creates a nutritious and hearty dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this dish and how you can whip it up in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cuban Rice and Eggs Dinner is a one-pot wonder that’s both filling and flavorful. It features a medley of ingredients that complement each other beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. The use of brown rice adds a nutty flavor and a healthy twist, while the ground turkey offers a lean protein option. Plus, the vibrant vegetables and the natural sweetness of the raisins add depth to the dish. Best of all, this recipe is adaptable, allowing you to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins.

Ingredient Breakdown

To create this delicious Cuban Rice and Eggs Dinner, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice (uncooked, short, medium, or long-grained)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove (finely chopped)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 4 medium tomatoes (diced)
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground turkey
• 3 tablespoons lite soy sauce (Braggs Aminos or coconut aminos for a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 big potato (peeled and diced)
• 1 big carrot (peeled and diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 cup peas (frozen)
• 1/2 cup raisins (golden or regular, soaked in water for 10 minutes then drained)
• 2 very brown, soft plantains (overripe, cut into slices)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 6 eggs

Appliances & Accessories

To prepare this Cuban Rice and Eggs Dinner, you will need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Large pot: For cooking the rice and combining all ingredients.
• Skillet: To sauté your vegetables and ground turkey.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring and mixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping vegetables and dicing ingredients.

Cuban Rice and Eggs Dinner, Made Easy

Follow these straightforward steps to create your Cuban Rice and Eggs Dinner:

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Begin by rinsing 1 cup of brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Once done, fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped garlic clove and 1 finely chopped medium onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic.

Step 3: Add Ground Turkey

To the skillet, add 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground turkey. Use your wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate the Vegetables

Once the turkey is cooked, add 4 diced medium tomatoes, 1 big diced potato, 1 big diced carrot, and 1 diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Flavor it Up

Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of lite soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add the drained 1/2 cup of raisins, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Mix everything well, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Combine with Rice

Gently fold in the cooked brown rice into the turkey and vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 7: Cook the Plantains

In another skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced very brown plantains and cook until they are golden and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.

Step 8: Prepare the Eggs

In the same skillet, crack 6 eggs and cook them to your desired doneness—sunny side up or scrambled work wonderfully here.

Step 9: Serve it Up

To serve, plate the Cuban rice mixture and top it with the cooked eggs. Garnish with the caramelized plantains on the side for a sweet contrast. Enjoy your delicious Cuban Rice and Eggs Dinner!

Budget & Availability Swaps

If you’re looking to make this dish more budget-friendly or swap out ingredients based on availability, consider the following:

• Ground Turkey: You can substitute with ground chicken or lean beef.
• Vegetables: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or green beans.
• Frozen Peas: Fresh peas can be used instead, or you can omit them entirely if unavailable.
• Eggs: If you prefer a vegan option, consider using tofu or chickpea flour to create a scramble.

Testing Timeline

When preparing your Cuban Rice and Eggs Dinner, keep these time estimates in mind to help you plan:

• Rice Cooking: 40-45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes (chopping and dicing)
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (sautéing and combining)
• Total Time: Approximately 1.5 hours from start to finish.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

To ensure your Cuban Rice and Eggs Dinner stays fresh and delicious, follow these guidelines:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, consider freezing the rice mixture (without the eggs) in a freezer-safe container. It can be kept for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Cuban Rice and Eggs Dinner Q&A

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground turkey with crumbled tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with Cuban Rice and Eggs Dinner?

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can serve it with a side of fresh avocado or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.

How do I make this dish spicier?

If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sautéed vegetables. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the rice and turkey mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Cook the eggs fresh for the best texture.

Next Up in Your Queue

If you enjoyed this Cuban Rice and Eggs Dinner, you might also like these recipes:

• Vegetable Stir-Fry
• Chicken Tacos
• Quinoa Salad
• Creamy Pasta

Before You Go

Cuban Rice and Eggs Dinner is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a taste of Cuba right in your kitchen!