Brazilian Soupy Rice with Black-Eyed Peas, Lime Chicken, Roasted Corn and Toasted Cassava Crumbs

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. In a bowl, mix the chicken with the zest of 1 lime, 30 ml (4 tbsp) lime juice, half of the garlic, 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt, 1 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper, sweet paprika, cumin, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil. Let rest for 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Place the corn kernels in the hot skillet and roast for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred in spots. Remove and set aside.

3. 3

   In a wide pot, heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil over medium heat. Brown the marinated chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring to cook all sides, until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.

4. 4

   In the same pot, add two-thirds of the chopped onion and the remaining garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until the onion is soft. Add the rice and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast it.

5. 5

   Add the cooked black-eyed peas, hot chicken broth, coconut milk, bay leaf, 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt, and 1 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce to medium-low heat, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the mixture is brothy.

6. 6

   While the rice cooks, make the crunchy crumbs. In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the remaining onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the cassava flour and toast for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until golden and crisp. Turn off the heat and mix in the chopped parsley.

7. 7

   Return the chicken and roasted corn to the pot with the rice. Cook 3 minutes more to blend the flavors. Remove the bay leaf, add the remaining lime juice, and stir in half of the chopped cilantro. Adjust salt if needed.

8. 8

   Serve the soupy rice in shallow bowls and finish with the crunchy cassava crumbs and the remaining cilantro on top. If you want to keep it warm before serving, cover it and let it rest for 2 minutes off the heat; no oven is needed for this recipe.