Arroz con Chancho: Peruvian Rice with Pork

A hearty and flavorful dish, Arroz con Chancho (Peruvian Rice with Pork) is a beloved Peruvian staple that combines marinated fried pork with tender, seasoned rice. Delight your taste buds and learn how to prepare this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home!

What is Arroz con Chancho?

Arroz con Chancho, translating to "Rice with Pork," may not sound exotic, but what it lacks in its name, it more than makes up for in flavor! Typically prepared in households across the country, this traditional Peruvian dish is bold and colorful, utilizing a variety of herbs, spices, and seasonings for a meal rich in taste.

The secret to this dish starts with the marinade. Consisting of native chili peppers like Aji Amarillo and Aji Panca, along with commonly-used spices such as cumin and paprika, the pork is left to marinate and then slowly cook until tender. White rice is then cooked in the same pot, along with a mixture of vegetables and herbs, all of which nicely infuse together to create a dish that is full of flavor and vibrancy.

This dish is usually served with salsa criolla—a typical Peruvian red onion salsa that provides the perfect contrast in flavours and texture.

Origins of Arroz con Chancho

While the exact origins of this dish are not precisely documented, it's believed to have developed following the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. The Spanish introduced rice, pork, certain herbs, and spices to Latin America, as well as new cooking techniques that may have inspired this dish.

As with many Peruvian dishes, local cooks used these new ingredients and combined them with traditional native ingredients, such as corn, potatoes, and native chili peppers, to create a uniquely Peruvian taste.

Over time, Arroz con Chancho has become one of the most popular meals in the country and is regularly prepared by families throughout Peru. There are also regional variations in how this dish is made, adding to its rich cultural tapestry.

How to make Peruvian Rice with Pork

Follow the instructions below for a delicious tasting Arroz con Chancho:

1. Cut the Ingredients: Chop the onion, carrot and pork into small pieces.
   

2. Season and Fry the Pork: Season the pork with salt, pepper, and cumin, then fry until browned on all sides, about 7 minutes (depending on the size of the pork pieces).
   

3. Prepare the Marinade: Remove the pork from the pan. In the same pan, add onions, garlic paste, aji panca, aji amarillo, and then beer. Mix together well and add seasoning such as salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, and turmeric.
   

4. Cook the Rice: Add water or stock to the pot and then add the white rice.
   

5. Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped carrots, peas, and corn. Put the lid on the pot and leave to cook.
   

6. Add the Pork: Once the rice and vegetables are cooked, add the pork and mix together.
   

7. Serve: Serve hot with a delicious sarza criolla. Enjoy!

Arroz con Chancho Recipe

Watch the video below for a visual guide on how to make Peruvian Arroz con Chancho:

Peruvian Rice with Pork Ingredients:

• 500 gr of rice

• 1 tablespoon of garlic paste

• 1 onion

• 100 gr of peas

• 1 piece of corn

• 100 gr of carrots

• 500 gr of pork

• 2 tablespoons of aji amarillo paste

• 1 tablespoon of aji panca paste

• Chopped coriander to taste

• 1 pinch of oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric

• 1/2 cup of beer

• 2-3 cups of water (depends on type of rice used)

• Salt, pepper and cumin to taste