Central American Rice Recipes

HOW TO COOK RICE - ECUADORIAN OR LATIN AMERICAN STYLE WHITE RICE

Steps:

• Heat the oil or butter on medium temperature in medium sized saucepan or pot.
• Add the minced onions and garlic (and achiote if making arroz amarillo or yellow rice), cook until the onions are translucent or soft, about 2 minutes.
• Add the rice and stir it in so that it is well coated by the oil, add the water and salt - increase the heat and bring it to a boil.
• Let the water boil and reduce until it barely covers the rice. Cover with a tight lid, reduce the temperature to simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes. Taste and make sure it's fully cooked. If the rice is on the older side it might take an extra 5-10 minutes to cook. Remove from the heat, gently fluff it, and cover again for 5 minutes before serving.
• For an extra bit of flavor, you can add 1-2 tbs of butter (in small slices) to the rice during the those last 5 minutes.

GALLO PINTO (COSTA RICAN RICE AND BEANS)

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add onion and sauté until it just begins to soften and turns color.
• Add garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until onion is golden.
• Add spices and Worcestershire, and stir into onion and garlic.
• (The first time I made this, I was afraid to add the full 3 Tbsp of Worcestershire, but the addition of the rice balances the flavor out).
• Next, add the beans and then the rice.
• Combine the rice and beans evenly and cook until mixture is heated through.
• Add salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
• Garnish with some chopped cilantro or green onions if you prefer.
• Vegetarians use only the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.

LATIN-STYLE CHICKEN AND RICE

Steps:

• Pat chicken dry and season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper (total). Heat butter and oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet (at least 2 inches deep) over medium-high heat until foam subsides, then brown chicken, turning once, about 10 minutes total. Transfer chicken with tongs to a plate.
• Pour off all but 2 tablespoon fat from skillet. Cook onion and garlic with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper over medium heat, stirring, until golden, about 6 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add broth, water, saffron, and bay leaf and bring to a full boil. Nestle chicken in rice, keeping as much rice around (rather than under) chicken as possible, and add juices from plate. Simmer, covered tightly with lid, over low heat until chicken is cooked through, rice is tender, and most of liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in peas. Cover with a kitchen towel and then lid and let stand until all of liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Discard bay leaf.

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 -- .