Arroz a la Cubana
Arroz a la Cubana is a comforting Spanish dish featuring fluffy rice topped with a rich tomato sauce and perfectly fried plantains, all while being completely vegan. This satisfying meal is a delightful fusion of flavors that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Spain.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Spanish
450 kcal
Ingredients
- Long-grain rice - 150 grams
- Water - 300 milliliters
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
- Canned diced tomatoes - 400 grams
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- Paprika - 1 teaspoon
- Fresh basil - 5 grams, chopped
- Ripe plantains - 2 medium, sliced
- Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
Steps
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice and 300ml of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, paprika, and chopped basil. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- While the sauce is simmering, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in another pan over medium heat. Add the sliced plantains and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Serve the rice topped with the tomato sauce and the fried plantains on the side. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 70 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Water: 0.3 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
- Contains antioxidants from tomatoes and basil, supporting overall health.
Tags
SpanishVeganLunch