Learn how to make arroz rojo, or Mexican red rice, a versatile, healthy and flavourful side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup tomato puree
- 1 carrot diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 + 3/4 cups cups vegetable broth + 3/4 cups
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and either chopped or left whole
- coriander/cilantro fresh for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the rice under cold water 3-4 times and strain. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic and rice. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the rice is slightly golden. Stir constantly to prevent rice from burning.
- Add the tomato puree, carrots and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
- Add the vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, black pepper and jalapeños, stir and cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Once the mixture is boiling, stir again one more time.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid removing the lid or stirring the rice during this time.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
Notes
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice, but note that the cooking time will be much longer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the rice is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and cook the rice just before serving. Reheating leftover rice may result in a slightly different texture. Plus, you can't store cooked rice for very long in the fridge.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the vegetable broth and tomato puree used do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Always double-check the labels of packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free or make your homemade versions.
Can I use different types of rice?
While this recipe specifically calls for long-grain white rice, you can experiment with other types of rice such as basmati or jasmine. Keep in mind that different rice varieties may require adjustments in cooking times and liquid ratios.
Nutrition
Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 722mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3142IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg
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