All about Mexican Rice
If you have ever eaten at a Mexican restaurant, you have probably had a version of Mexican rice. This tomato and spice flavored rice has become a permanent fixture in Mexican cuisine. It was not always so, however. Rice did not grow in Mexico originally. It was introduced to Mexico from the Philippines. The Spanish found that rice grew very well around Veracruz and the rest is history.
Rice is a traditional food served at lunch in Mexico. It may be accompanied by fish or beans. The rice and beans that you find taking up half your plate at Mexican restaurants is not the way it is served in Mexico. Rice is also used for many other dishes besides this savory dish. It is used in desserts, pastries and horchata, which is a Mexican drink that is gaining in popularity around the world.
Pilaf style is a very popular way to serve rice in Mexico. For a pilaf, the rice must be browned before being cooked in broth. Rice is seasoned by adding onions, carrots and other vegetables while the rice is simmering. Some people in Mexico prefer a creamier rice that is very similar to risotto.
A traditional method for cooking rice is to use a vessel made of clay called a cazuela. The rice gets an earthy flavor from the vessel. Rice is soaked, drained, and then fried until it turns golden. Liquid is added into the vessel and the rice simmers until done.
To get fluffy rice, rinse the rice in a colander until the rinse water runs clear. This washes off any excess starch that will make the rice sticky. Mexican rice should be as fluffy as you can get it. Soaking rice ahead of time decrease your cooking time and help prepare the rice to absorb the flavor of the broth and seasonings you add during cooking. In Mexico, they prefer to use a long grain rice that still has a small portion of the germ attached. Medium grained rice that is available in the United States works well for Mexican rice.
When you have leftover rice, just freeze it. Take a sheet of Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil and spread the rice out in a thin sheet. Seal up the foil and place it in the freezer. When you want to use it again, just pop it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to reheat it. You do not need to thaw it first.
When you choose a Mexican rice recipe, follow the directions carefully for the best results. You may be adding ingredients like olive oil, carrots, parsley, and chilies. They will add a lot of flavor to your finished meal. Serve up your rice with a simply prepared fish or other entre.
Learning how to prepare Mexican rice will add a lot more dimension to your meal whenever you make Mexican Food at home. With a little practice, you will be able to add this recipe to your list of accomplishments that your family will look forward to.
Authentic Mexican food recipe ideas might be hard to think of but if you have a look at MexicanFoodRecipes.org you will be able to find plenty of tasty recipe inspiration to try out on your family. Most authentic Mexican food is healthy and low in fat as well as delicious.
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