Valenciana (Arroz Valenciana)

Valenciana, also known as Arroz Valenciana, is a Filipino-Spanish-inspired rice dish often served during special occasions like fiestas, Christmas, or birthdays. It's a hearty, flavorful dish made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, chicken, pork, chorizo, and vegetables. Similar to paella, it’s a one-pot dish full of rich flavors and vibrant colors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups glutinous rice (malagkit)

• 1 cup regular rice

• 2 cups coconut milk

• 2 cups chicken stock

• 2 tablespoons annatto seeds (or 1 teaspoon annatto powder)

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 medium bell pepper, diced

• 250g chicken, cut into pieces

• 250g pork belly, diced

• 1/2 cup cooked shrimp (optional)

• 1/2 cup green peas

• 1/2 cup raisins

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Rinse the glutinous and regular rice together. Drain and soak in water for about 30 minutes, then drain again.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan. Add the annatto seeds and let them steep until the oil turns orange. Remove the seeds and set the oil aside.

Step 3: In the same pan, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. Add the bell pepper, and green peas, chicken and pork, cooking until lightly browned.

Step 4: Add the glutinous rice and regular rice to the pan. Stir well to coat the rice with the annatto oil and mix it with the meat and vegetables.

Step 5: Pour in the coconut milk and chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Step 6: Lower the heat and cover the pan. Cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and fully cooked. Add more chicken stock if needed.

Step 7: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the raisins and cooked shrimp (if using).

Step 8: Serve.