Asopao is a dish that is usually prepared for special occasions, such as birthdays. It is very cheap and can easily feed another person by just adding a little more water. The traditional one is made of chicken, however you can prepare it using pork chops, pork sausages and shrimps.

Time: 90 Mins
Difficulty: Advanced
Serve: 6 people

Before starting to cook: If you are using chicken: skin the chicken, cut the chicken into small pieces. Wash it with warm water and scrub with the cut lemon.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of shrimp, crab or lobster
• 1 lemon (may be omitted)
• 2 1/2 cups of rice
• 3/4 gallon of water
• 5 tablespoons oil
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup chopped green peppers
• 1 pinch oregano
• 1 teaspoon mashed garlic
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1/8 cup chopped seedless olives
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 spoon finely chopped parsley
• 1 spoon finely chopped coriander
• 1/2 spoon of thyme leaves
• 1 cube of chicken stock
• Salt

Preparation:

1. In an iron pot heat the oil (reserve 2 spoons of oil), add the herbs, olives, spices, tomato paste, peppers, garlic and salt. Add the shrimps and stir (be careful with hot oil splattering). Cover and wait two minutes, then stir again.
   
2. Add the remaining water and bring to a boil. Add all remaining ingredients (including the rice). Stir regularly to avoid excessive sticking. Let 3/4 of the water evaporate, by then a grain of rice should be about 3 times its original size. Adjust salt to taste. Serve while hot.
   
3. Serve with a few slices of avocados or tostones.