Fresco de Piña y Arroz

Fresco de Piña y Arroz Recipe from Nicaragua

Region / culture: Nicaragua | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fresco de Piña y Arroz is a refreshing and delicious traditional drink from Latin America. This beverage combines the sweetness of pineapple with the heartiness of rice, creating a unique and flavorful drink that is perfect for hot summer days.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Latin American households. It is a popular drink that is often served at family gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions. The combination of pineapple and rice creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Ingredients

1 pineapple
2 cups of rice

How to prepare

Take the leftover pineapple peel/rind and place them in a pot. Add enough water to cover the rinds by approximately half an inch. Bring it to a boil for around 10 minutes, then add half a cup of uncooked white rice. Continue boiling until the rice splits or puffs. Allow it to cool, then strain the mixture. Add twice the amount of water as you obtained from the pot. Sweeten with sugar according to your taste. Serve the drink chilled.

Variations

Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy twist.
Blend the drink with ice for a slushy version.
Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh pineapple for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.

- Allow the drink to chill in the refrigerator before serving for a more refreshing experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fresco de Piña y Arroz chilled in tall glasses with a slice of pineapple on the rim for a decorative touch.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling, straining, and chilling.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use brown rice instead of white rice for a nuttier flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the drink ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Fresco de Piña y Arroz in clear glasses to showcase the vibrant yellow color of the drink.

Pairing Recommendations

This drink pairs well with spicy dishes, grilled meats, and seafood.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Fats: 0g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This drink is rich in Vitamin C and manganese, thanks to the pineapple.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

Fresco de Piña y Arroz is a low-fat, low-protein, and high-carbohydrate beverage that is rich in Vitamin C and manganese.

Summary

Fresco de Piña y Arroz is a delightful and refreshing beverage that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the heartiness of rice. This traditional Latin American drink is perfect for hot summer days and special occasions.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Fresco de Piña y Arroz. It was given to me by an old friend of mine, Doña Maria, who had learned it from her own grandmother many years ago. The combination of pineapple and rice in a drink seemed strange to me at first, but once I tasted it, I was hooked.

Doña Maria and I were sitting on her porch one hot summer day, sipping on glasses of this refreshing drink, when she suddenly leaned over and whispered, "I have a special recipe to share with you, mi amiga." She reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a piece of paper, yellowed with age and stained with the remnants of past cooking adventures.

"This is my grandmother's recipe for Fresco de Piña y Arroz," she said, handing me the paper. "It's been in our family for generations, and I think you will love it as much as I do." I eagerly took the paper from her hand and read through the ingredients and instructions.

The recipe called for fresh pineapple, cooked rice, sugar, water, and a touch of cinnamon. It seemed simple enough, but I could tell that there was something special about this drink that went beyond just the ingredients. Doña Maria explained that the key to making the fresco perfect was in the preparation of the rice and the way it was mixed with the other ingredients.

As she walked me through the steps of making the drink, I couldn't help but marvel at the wisdom and knowledge that had been passed down through the generations. Doña Maria told me stories of her grandmother, a strong and resilient woman who had raised a family on a small farm in the countryside. She had learned to make the fresco from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her.

As I stirred the pineapple, rice, sugar, water, and cinnamon together in a large pitcher, I felt a sense of connection to these women who had come before me. I imagined them standing in kitchens long ago, sharing recipes and laughter as they cooked for their families. I felt honored to be a part of this tradition, to be entrusted with a recipe that held so much history and love.

When the fresco was finally ready, I poured it into tall glasses and garnished each one with a slice of fresh pineapple and a sprinkle of cinnamon. As I took my first sip, I closed my eyes and savored the sweet and tangy flavor that filled my mouth. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a perfect balance of fruity and creamy, with a hint of warmth from the cinnamon.

Doña Maria smiled as she watched me enjoy the drink, knowing that I had been initiated into the secret world of Fresco de Piña y Arroz. "Now you know the magic of this recipe," she said, her eyes sparkling with pride. "You will make it for your own family and friends, and they will be amazed by its deliciousness."

And she was right. Over the years, I have shared this recipe with countless people, each one amazed by the unique combination of flavors and the history behind it. I have taught my own grandchildren how to make Fresco de Piña y Arroz, passing on the tradition that was given to me by Doña Maria.

As I sit here now, sipping on a glass of the drink that holds so many memories and stories, I am grateful for the gift of this recipe and the friendship that brought it into my life. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create bonds that transcend time and space. And for that, I will always be thankful.