Central American Rice Recipes

CENTRAL AMERICAN YELLOW RICE AND CHICKEN

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large cooking pot. Add chopped onions, bell pepper and rice. Stir fry about 1 1/2 minute being careful to stir constantly as rice can burn if left alone.
• Add water, frozen vegetables and shredded chicken.
• Add curry and salt to taste.
• Cover and cook rice about 20-25 minute Extend cooking time if water has not been completly absorbed.
• Let rice cool for 5 min and fluff with fork.
• Usually served as a side dish. Can serve with enchiladas, salad, refried beans, pork cops, etc -- .

CENTRAL AMERICAN RICE

Steps:

• Rinse rice thoroughly in a strainer until the water runs clear. Let is drain well.
• Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the rice and stir until slightly brown. Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Saute 1-2 minutes.
• Add the water and salt; cover and cook until all water is absorbed. If more water is needed to get the rice tender, add very small amounts at a time.
• Allow rice to sit off heat for 10 minutes.

GALLO PINTO (RED BEANS AND RICE)

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high flame. Add the onions, bell pepper and garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Stir in the drained beans, some of their reserved liquid, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer until heated through.
• Add the rice and stir into the beans and heat through. Adjust seasoning and add a little more bean liquid if necessary. Serve hot.
• Variations:.
• •Casamiento (Salvadoran black beans and rice): Use black beans instead of red beans.
• •Nicaraguans on the Caribbean coast use coconut oil instead of regular vegetable oil.
• •Stir in some chopped cilantro.
• •Add a few dashes of bottled pepper sauce or Worcerstershire sauce for added flavor.