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Argentine Rice Stew is a classic dish for chilly days that is simple in ingredients and preparation but rich in flavor, textures, and food comfort level.
It’s a staple in every household in Argentina, and particularly for me, it has a place in my heart since it was my favorite meal to enjoy in my grandma’s house. Every time I eat this stew, I travel in time and space, and it feels good in my soul. I love my grandma, and this recipe makes me feel closer to her since she lives in Argentina.
There are so many recipes in Argentina for this rice stew, like houses and people, but today I’m sharing with you my grandma’s recipe, but vegan. Traditional rice stew includes different types of meat, rice, vegetables, and spices.
This recipe is completely gluten, nut, and oil-free. Additionally, it can be made soy-free by skipping the tofu ground beef.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF RICE STEW IN ARGENTINA
Rice stew, or “guiso de arroz, in Spanish,” has its roots in Spain, where it evolved from the hearty and flavorful stews that were a staple of rural communities. Then, the Spanish brought it to South America, and the dish made its way to Argentina, where it quickly became a beloved comfort food.
In Argentina, rice stew is often made with meat and is packed with vegetables, making it a satisfying one-pot meal. This vegan version retains the traditional flavors and heartiness while introducing plant-based protein sources to keep it cruelty-free and delicious.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS ARGENTINE RICE STEW
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
For the preparation, you have to sauté some vegetables, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, rice, and seasonings. Then add the frozen peas and optional tofu ground beef, and cook the stew until the rice is done.
Then enjoy hot with your favorite garnish on the top.
This Argentine Rice Stew is easy to make and uses simple ingredients and one pot, making it an excellent option for any home cook, regardless of their experience. Plus, it’s both delicious and comforting.
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
To prepare this delicious and comforting rice stew, the most important tools you’ll need are super simple:
- Cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables.
- Large pot with a lid.
- Wooden spoon for stirring.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s a list of the ingredients for this Vegan Argentine Rice Stew:
Basics:
- Onion and Garlic – Adds a savory base flavor and aromatic depth to the stew.
- Red bell pepper – Provides a slightly sweet flavor and vibrant color.
- Carrot – Contributes natural sweetness, color, and nutrients.
- Potato – Adds texture and heartiness to the stew.
- Crushed tomatoes – Supplies a rich, tangy tomato flavor and acts as a stew base.
- Tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the stew.
- Vegetable broth – Creates the liquid base to cook the veggies and rice, adding flavor to the stew. You can also use water, but you must adjust the seasoning to add more flavor.
- White rice – Provides a starchy element, making the stew more filling and satisfying. And it’s the star of the recipe. You can also use brown rice.
- Salt and pepper – Enhance the flavors and balance the taste.
Classics in Argentinian stews:
- Italian herbs – Enhance the overall flavor and aroma with a blend of herbs.
- Paprika – Adds a mild, sweet flavor and a touch of color.
- Bay leaves – Impart a subtle, earthy flavor to the stew.
Additional but highly recommended:
- Frozen peas – Contribute a pop of color, sweetness, and nutrients.
- Tofu Ground Beef (optional) – Offers a plant-based protein source and a meaty texture.
To finalize:
Fresh parsley – Provides a bright, fresh garnish and a burst of flavor.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this delicious Vegan Argentine Rice Stew, begin by water sautéing the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic in a large pot until softened.
Next, add the carrot and potato, cooking for a few more minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, Italian herbs, paprika, and bay leaves, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix in the rice and bring the stew to a boil before reducing the heat and allowing it to simmer until the rice is almost cooked.
Add the frozen peas and optional tofu ground beef, continuing to cook until the peas are done and the rice is tender.
Adjust the seasonings as needed, remove the bay leaves, and let the stew rest to let the flavors meld.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or vegan parmesan cheese for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
What to love about this recipe? Well, you will find that it is:
- Simple and easy!
- Flavorful.
- Nutrient-rich.
- Customizable.
- One-pot meal.
- Hearty and filling.
Let’s prepare this Argentine Rice Stew!
WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO!
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PRINTABLE RECIPE AND INSTRUCTIONS
ARGENTINE RICE STEW: SIMPLE COMFORT MEAL
Equipment
- 1 chopping board
- 1 chef knife
- 1 Soup Pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 onion (large, finely chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (large, diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 carrot (large, small diced)
- 1 potato (large, small diced)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (14.5 oz, 411 g)
- 1 can tomato paste (6 oz, 170 g)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (32 oz, 950 ml)*
- 2 tsp Italian herbs
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 ½ cup white rice (300 g. I’m using Instant White Rice)
- 1 cup green peas (frozen, 200 g)
- 1 ½ cup Tofu Ground Beef (optional but highly recommended)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, water sauté the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic with a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the carrot and potato to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1 or 2 tbsp of water to prevent the vegetable from burning or sticking.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, Italian herbs, paprika, and bay leaves. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine and cook for 7-10 minutes, over medium-high heat, until the veggies are slightly soft.
- Add the rice to the pot and mix well to combine.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes**, or until the rice is almost cooked.
- Stir in the frozen peas and tofu ground beef, if using. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the peas are cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Taste the stew and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaves. Let the stew rest for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or some vegan parmesan cheese.
Notes
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS ARGENTINE RICE STEW
There are several ways to enjoy this Vegan Argentine Rice Stew, making it a versatile and satisfying dish:
- On its own – The stew is hearty and flavorful enough to be enjoyed as a standalone meal.
- With crusty bread – Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of texture.
- With a side salad – Pair the stew with a fresh, crunchy side salad for a lighter, more balanced meal.
- Topped with vegan cheese – Sprinkle some vegan parmesan or shredded vegan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
- It’s also Ideal for meal prep for the week.
If you are hungry for some similar Argentinian comfort food, you could also try these yummy recipes:
