Mexican rice is a dish that is served at every Mexican restaurant all over the world. This rice is flavored with tomatoes and spices and has become an expected dish with Mexican food. This has not always been true, however. Rice is not a native plant in Mexico. Rice was introduced to Mexico through the Philippines. When the Spanish discovered how well rice grew around Veracruz, rice became a permanent ingredient in Mexican cuisine.
Rice is traditionally served at midday in Mexico. It is usually served with beans or fish. The rice and beans you get in restaurants are not how they are served in Mexico. Learning more about traditional Mexican food will really open your eyes. Mexican cuisine uses rice in many ways beyond the savory rice discussed here. They also use it in cakes, desserts and horchata, a tasty drink.
Rice is often prepared in pilaf style in Mexico. Rice is browned first and then simmered in broth. Additional flavor is added from onions, chilies, and carrots that cook with the rice. Some regions in Mexico favor a creamier rice that resembles risotto.
A traditional way to cook rice in Mexico uses a clay vessel known as a cazuela. Rice cooked this way gets an earthy flavor. Soaked rice is drained and then fried until a golden brown. Liquid is then added to the vessel so the rice can simmer until it is tender.
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.
Taking the time to learn how to prepare Mexican rice will add a lot more authenticity to your Mexican cooking. With some practice, you will be able to make a nice Mexican rice without even thinking twice. Your family will love the richness of the flavor. It is a nice change from pasta or potatoes.
There is nothing difficult about Mexican cooking and a lot of it simply involves combining fresh produce, choice cuts of meat or fish and flavorful herbs and spices. There are literally hundreds of mouthwatering Mexican recipes to try out at home, many of which are extremely easy, even for novice cooks.
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