Go Back
Arroz Caldoso Recipe (Spanish Soupy Rice)

Arroz Caldoso Recipe (Spanish Soupy Rice)

Arroz caldoso is a delicious and comforting Spanish rice dish that is somewhere between a soup and a stew. Made with fresh seafood, vegetables, and aromatic spices, this recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. mixed seafood such as shrimp, mussels, and squid
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups short-grain rice
  • 4 cups fish or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the mixed seafood to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the seafood is lightly browned and just cooked through. Remove the seafood from the pot and set aside.
  • Add the short-grain rice to the pot and stir well to coat the rice with the remaining oil and juices. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the rice is lightly toasted and fragrant.
  • Pour in the fish or vegetable broth, white wine, smoked paprika, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Once the rice is cooked, return the cooked seafood to the pot and stir well to combine. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the seafood is heated through.
  • Serve the arroz caldoso hot in individual bowls, garnished with lemon wedges. Enjoy your warm and delicious Spanish soupy rice!