Mexican or Spanish rice
Welcome to this article on how to make delicious Mexican rice! Mexican rice, also known as "arroz rojo" or "red rice," is a staple in Mexican cuisine and a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with any Mexican main dish. This dish is known for its rich flavors and colorful appearance, making it an ideal addition to any fiesta or family dinner.
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| Mexican red rice - easy recipe. |
Ingredients
- Long grain rice.
- 2 tbsp of olive oil.
- 1 tbsp of garlic powder.
- 1 tbsp of onion powder.
- 1 tbsp of salt.
- chicken or beef stock.
- 2 cups of fresh tomato with red bell pepper juice.
- 2 tbsp of tomato paste.
- 1/2 tbsp of paprika.
- 1/2 tbsp of chili powder.
- 1/4 tbsp of turmeric.
- 1/2 tbsp of cumin.
Instructions
- To prevent the rice from breaking while cooking, it's recommended to soak it in water for 30 minutes prior to cooking. Once soaked, drain the water and set the rice aside.
- Next, place a pot on medium heat and add olive oil. Add the rice to the pot and stir it for 3 to 5 minutes with the oil. Then, add the spices and mix them with the rice, creating a hole in the center to add the tomato paste. Stir everything together before adding the tomato and red pepper juice. To make the juice, blend two ripe tomatoes and one red pepper with half a cup of water in a blender.
- After adding the juice, pour in enough chicken stock to cover the rice. To achieve fluffy rice, it's recommended to leave the pot uncovered until most of the liquid is absorbed. Once absorbed, cover the pot and lower the heat, allowing the rice to cook fully. By following these steps, you'll have a delicious and flavorful Mexican rice dish that's sure to impress.
What is different about Mexican rice?
Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a popular side dish in Mexican cuisine that is different from other types of rice dishes because of its flavor and preparation method. Here are some characteristics that distinguish Mexican rice from other types of rice dishes:
- Flavor: Mexican rice is typically seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder, which give it a distinctive flavor that compliments many Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes.
- Preparation method: Mexican rice is typically cooked by sautéing the rice in oil or butter with onions and spices before adding liquid, such as chicken or vegetable broth, and then simmering until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Texture: Mexican rice is usually fluffy and slightly sticky, with each grain separate and distinct, giving it a satisfying texture.
- Ingredients: Mexican rice often contains diced tomatoes and sometimes other vegetables like peas or corn for added flavor and texture.
Overall, Mexican rice is a flavorful and versatile side dish that adds a delicious touch to any Mexican or Tex-Mex meal.
Why is Mexican rice so orange?
Mexican rice is often orange in color due to the use of tomatoes or tomato sauce and/or a spice blend that includes chili powder or paprika. The combination of these ingredients, along with other seasonings such as cumin and garlic, gives the rice its characteristic orange hue.
Tomatoes or tomato sauce are commonly used in Mexican rice recipes to add both flavor and color. Tomatoes are a source of lycopene, a natural pigment that gives them a reddish color. When cooked with rice, the lycopene is released and combines with the other ingredients to create the distinctive orange color.
In addition to tomatoes, many Mexican rice recipes also include a blend of spices that typically includes chili powder or paprika. These spices also contribute to the orange color of the rice. Depending on the specific recipe, other ingredients such as saffron or annatto may also be used to achieve a vibrant orange hue.
Overall, the combination of tomato-based ingredients and spice blends used in Mexican rice recipes gives the dish its characteristic orange color, along with its delicious flavor.
What's the difference between Mexican rice and white rice?
The main difference between Mexican rice and white rice is in their flavor, texture, and preparation method.
Mexican rice is a flavorful side dish that is typically seasoned with a blend of spices, such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic, which give it a distinctive taste. The preparation method for Mexican rice involves sautéing the rice in oil or butter with onions and spices before adding liquid, such as chicken or vegetable broth, and then simmering until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Mexican rice often also includes tomatoes or tomato sauce and sometimes other vegetables like peas or corn, giving it a colorful and textured appearance.
On the other hand, white rice is a plain, neutral-tasting rice that is usually cooked by boiling the rice in water until it is tender and fluffy. White rice is often served as a side dish to accompany other flavorful dishes and is used as a base for many rice-based dishes such as sushi or rice pudding.
Overall, Mexican rice is a more flavorful and textured rice dish compared to white rice, due to the use of spices and other ingredients. While white rice is a plain and versatile rice option that is often used as a side dish or in various recipes, Mexican rice is a more specialized dish that is typically served alongside Mexican or Tex-Mex cuisine.