Arroz con Cosas: Valencian Rice with Chorizo and Chickpeas (62) 2026

Arroz con cosas is a Valencian rice dish that plays with tradition and surprise in equal measure. Onion, garlic, serrano ham, tomato and saffron build a deep, savory base, short-grain rice soaks up a full liter of chicken broth, and frozen peas bring a sweet pop of green. It is the kind of main course that feels festive without being fussy.

What makes it truly memorable is what arrives alongside: crisp fried churros, little gem lettuces tossed in a honey-mustard vinaigrette, and fresh mint sticks that brighten every bite. The churros may seem unexpected, but they add texture and a touch of sophistication, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce turns the sweet-savory contrast into something unforgettable.

It comes together in about an hour and serves three, making it a great choice for a special occasion when you want something a little different on the table.

Ingredients for Arroz con Cosas

This recipe yields 3 servings.

• ½ onion
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• 50 g serrano ham, cut into small cubes
• 1 tablespoon fried tomato sauce
• A few strands of saffron
• 300 g short-grain rice
• 1 liter chicken broth
• 100 g frozen peas
• 3 frozen churros
• Oil for frying the churros
• 3 little gem lettuces
• 3 tablespoons honey-mustard vinaigrette
• 3 Christmas mint sticks
• Chocolate sauce (optional)

How to Make Arroz con Cosas Step by Step

1. Sauté the onion and garlic

Finely chop ½ onion and 1 garlic clove. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a paella pan and, once hot, gently sauté the onion and garlic with a pinch of salt until soft and sweet.

2. Add the ham, tomato and saffron

When the onion has reduced and turned golden, add 50 g of serrano ham cut into small pieces, 1 tablespoon of fried tomato sauce and a few strands of saffron. Stir well so everything is combined and let it cook together for a few minutes.

3. Stir in the rice

Next, add 300 g of short-grain rice and mix it thoroughly with the sofrito so every grain is coated and absorbs all that flavor.

4. Pour in the broth

Pour in 1 liter of hot chicken broth and stir again. Cook the rice for 5 minutes over high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low.

5. Add the peas and finish cooking

After 10 minutes, add 100 g of frozen peas and continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the rice is just right.

6. Let the rice rest

Remove the paella pan from the heat and let the rice rest for 10 minutes before serving.

7. Fry the churros

Meanwhile, fry 3 frozen churros in plenty of hot frying oil. Once golden, drain them and rest them on paper towels to remove excess fat, making sure it does not upset the balance of the dish.

8. Dress the lettuces

In the meantime, dress 3 little gem lettuces with 3 tablespoons of honey-mustard vinaigrette, adding a fresh, tangy note that complements the rice perfectly.

9. Plate and serve

To assemble the dish, place the rice as the base and decorate it with the dressed lettuces. Add 3 Christmas mint sticks for freshness and color, then the churros. The churros can be served with chocolate sauce for anyone after an unforgettable sweet-and-savory experience.

Tips for the Best Arroz con Cosas

Keep the churros crisp

The churros, though unexpected, are surprising and bring texture and sophistication to a traditional recipe. Drain them well on paper towels so excess fat does not interfere with the balance of the plate, and serve them right away.

Try the chocolate sauce

Optionally, the churros can be covered in chocolate for those looking for a bold experience, combining sweet and savory in a surprising and delicious mix. This element gives the recipe a festive and unique character.

Finish with fresh mint

The fresh mint sticks decorate and refresh; they not only add vibrant color but also cleanse the palate, inviting you to enjoy this delicious rice to the fullest.

30 Favorite Recipes I Keep Coming Back To at Home

Maybe you're wired the same way I am: your kitchen rotation is a blend of cozy standbys, well-loved dishes from around the globe, and sweets that make a crowd happy.

Some nights I want something luxurious, and that's when I reach for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this refined Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a deeply rich Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And on days when only fruit-forward comfort will do, this timeless French Tarte Tatin recipe is my reliable pick.

For quick morning meals and lighter plates, I regularly whip up these airy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a hearty Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these bright Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And whenever my pantry needs a gluten-free basic, this no-fuss Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe does the trick.

On evenings built around tapas and Mediterranean tastes, I cycle through this punchy Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, golden Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, silky Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and a cool Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This elegant Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe also comes out whenever the occasion calls for a little extra polish.

For stick-to-your-ribs midday meals and comforting suppers, my go-tos are this warming Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, time-honored Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, deeply savory Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and velvety Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. When I'm after something even more substantial, I turn to this oven-baked Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, homey Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the supremely cozy French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Anytime street food or party fare is on my mind, I'll throw together this succulent Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crunchy Salchipapas recipe, punchy Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crisp Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These effortless Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe are another favorite of mine for a light starter or snack.

And when I'm hosting and mixing drinks to go with a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this cool Original Cuban Mojito recipe, a strong Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this sweet Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To bring it all together, I like setting out this zesty French Remoulade Sauce recipe alongside, or capping the meal with this dramatic Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

After countless rounds of testing and tweaking in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the finest dishes are built on straightforward steps, dependable methods, and serious flavor.

The recipes gathered here are the ones I genuinely cook on repeat—whether it's a fast solo meal or something festive for the people I love.

On the sweet side, the lush, velvety Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is my pick when I want a dessert that feels fancy yet comes together without fuss. Another treat I adore is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, modeled on the celebrated Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better dessert texture helps a lot, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

When light and easy is what I'm after, I lean on the timeless Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a flawlessly done Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For more filling comfort fare, I frequently suggest the crowd-pleasing Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the luscious Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the speedy weeknight go-to One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Sharing dishes from across the globe is another joy of mine, among them the genuine Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the traditional Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is yet another category I turn to often, since it delivers speed without sacrificing texture. The ones I make most include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my cozy Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be indulgent, cheesy, and deeply comforting without any gluten.

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