Arroz Caldo

3 tbsp. vegetable or corn oil

2 tbsp. minced garlic

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 inch ginger (sliced)

6 cups water

2 cups uncooked rice

1/4 cup chopped scallion

salt or patis (fish sauce) to taste

1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper

1. In a large pot, heat oil and saute garlic (until brown), onion (until transparent) and ginger.

2. Add chicken and patis (fish sauce) or salt.

3. Let simmer for approximately 5 minutes.

5. Add water and rice.

6. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes or until rice and chicken are tender -- stir constantly to prevent sticking.

7. Add scallion and pepper. Serve hot.