Recipe Spanish Fried Rice CIPEREC from ciperec.blogspot.com
Introduction
Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and vibrant colors. One of the most popular dishes in Mexican cuisine is Mexican rice. It is a staple side dish that is served with almost every Mexican meal. This dish is made with rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a few other ingredients. It is easy to make and is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
To make Mexican rice, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup of long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
1/2 cup of diced onion
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of chili powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming gummy. 2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. 3. Add the diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes. 4. Add the rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion and tomato mixture. 5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. 6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the rice simmer for 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. 7. Turn off the heat and let the rice stand for 5 minutes. 8. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro.
Nutrition
Mexican rice is a healthy side dish that is low in fat and high in fiber. One serving of Mexican rice (1/2 cup) contains approximately:
Calories: 88
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Fat: 1g
Sodium: 260mg
Tips for Making Perfect Mexican Rice
1. Use the Right Rice
The type of rice you use can make a big difference in how your Mexican rice turns out. Long-grain white rice is the best choice for this recipe. It has a mild flavor and cooks up fluffy and tender.
2. Rinse the Rice
Rinsing the rice under cold water is an important step that should not be skipped. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
3. Toast the Rice
Toasting the rice before adding the liquid gives it a nutty flavor and helps prevent the grains from sticking together.
4. Use Homemade Broth
Homemade broth is always the best choice for this recipe. It has a richer flavor and is lower in sodium than store-bought broth. If you don't have homemade broth, use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead.
5. Don't Stir the Rice
Once you have added the liquid to the skillet, resist the urge to stir the rice. This can break up the grains and make the rice gummy.
6. Let the Rice Rest
After the rice has finished cooking, let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
Variations
1. Add Vegetables
Mexican rice is a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. Try adding diced bell peppers, corn, or peas to the skillet along with the onion and garlic.
2. Make it Spicy
If you like spicy food, add a diced jalapeno pepper to the skillet along with the onion and garlic. You can also increase the amount of chili powder for an extra kick.
3. Use Brown Rice
For a healthier version of Mexican rice, use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice is higher in fiber and has a nuttier flavor.
4. Make it Vegan
To make this recipe vegan, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Conclusion
Mexican rice is a delicious and versatile side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can make a flavorful and healthy dish that everyone will love. So why not give this recipe a try and add some Mexican flair to your next meal?
