What feature defines the Arroz con costra rice preparation?
Answer
It incorporates beaten egg, forming a crispy baked crust on top.
The Arroz con costra is distinctly characterized by the inclusion of beaten egg, which is cooked on top of the rice mixture in the oven, resulting in a highly appealing, firm, crispy crust referred to as the *costra*. This preparation method distinguishes it significantly from other Alicante rice dishes. Furthermore, it leans into inland traditions by incorporating ingredients like cold cuts of meat, poultry, or rabbit, moving away from purely coastal seafood bases. The process of baking the egg on top is central to its identity, lending the dish its unique texture and name.

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