GOURMET ARROZ CON POLLO

Steps:

• Place 1/2 cup of olive oil in small pan and add the achiote.
• Heat on medium heat until bubbles form, then remove from heat and let steep.
• Drain achiote seeds from oil (should be a vibrant reddish-orange color).
• Place oil in large stockpot.
• Heat oil on high and place chicken pieces in pot and brown; this is done just to brown chicken NOT to cook it.
• Remove chicken from pot.
• Place diced onions, garlic, and peppers in pot with the achiote.
• Saute until soft (do not burn garlic).
• Put capers in pot and cook for a while with the onion mixture.
• Add rice to the pot with garlic, peppers, garlic and capers, then swirl rice into the mixture.
• Let the rice cook for just about a minute.
• Place cut up cilantro (or parsley) and basil in pot.
• Add in chicken broth and make sure you scrape the pot.
• Add chicken pieces back in.
• Put olives in and mix.
• Place bay leaves in pot.
• Check for seasonings (Please note: add salt and pepper at the end).
• Let the mixture cook on medium heat until the rice is done.
• Add peas just before serving.
• In another medium pot place peeled asparagus in water and boil until they turn bright green.
• Place in ice bath to stop the cooking process.
• To serve, place rice and chicken in a large platter.
• Arrange chicken pieces around platter and rice in the center.
• Place cooked asparagus around the platter and then place pimentos in the center.
• Enjoy!