
Ingredients:
- 2-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 packages of linguica, cut into ¼ inch coin size pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
- 6 oz. Tomato paste
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 2 ½ - 3 cups of chicken stock
- 1 cup of long-grain rice
- Optional – 1 lb. of chicken drumsticks or thighs
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven on medium-low heat. When hot, cook the linguica in batches until the sausages are crispy on both sides. Remove the linguica from heat and set aside. Do not overcrowd your pot.
- If adding chicken, quickly sear the chicken on both sides until lightly browned and set aside. The chicken will continue to cook in the oven.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pot, stirring frequently until the onions are lightly browned.
- Add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Add the tomato paste and garlic, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. Cook 2-3 minutes.
- Add 2 ½ cups of chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any caramelized ingredients.
- Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer to remove excess starch, then add the rice to the pot with the linguica and optional chicken. Turn heat up to medium-high and cover.
- When the rice comes to a boil, transfer the pot to the oven, covered, and cook for 35-40 minutes, until the rice is cooked through. Note: some varieties of rice cook more quickly than others.
- If the rice needs more liquid, add the remaining ½ cup of chicken stock.
- When the rice is cooked through, remove from the oven, stir, then let it sit, covered for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley.