Traditional Cuban Yellow Rice Recipes

CUBAN YELLOW RICE

Steps:

• Place the saffron in the hot water, allow to steep for 20 minutes, the water will turn a deep yellow color.
• After 20 minutes, pour the liquid through a fine mesh sieve (or coffee filter), discard the strands, reserve the liquid.
• Heat a large sauté pan (one that has a lid, otherwise use a large saucepan) over medium heat, add the olive oil, roll to cover the pan, then add the onion.
• Sauté the onion until it begins to turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes, add the salt and the rice.
• Stirring constantly, cook the rice for several minutes until it begins to slightly brown.
• Mix in the cumin, paprika, and oregano until they bloom and become fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth and saffron liquid, mix well, and bring to a boil.
• Boil for 2-3 minutes while stirring, reduce heat to low and continue to cook uncovered until the rice begins to absorb some of the water.
• Cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
• Stir in the peas, cover and continue to cook for 5 additional minutes or until the water has been completely absorbed.
• Add the butter and using a fork, fluff the rice while mixing the butter in.
• Serve and enjoy.

EASY ARROZ AMARILLO (SPANISH YELLOW RICE)

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven or saucepan with a lid, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, green pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes.
• Add sliced pimentos and tomato sauce. Sauté for 1 minute. Add rice, water, bouillon cube, Bijol, bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust later). Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 15 minutes. DO NOT OPEN THE LID. The steam is what cooks the rice.
• Remove from heat. Keep the lid on for another 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, never a spoon. The rice should be moist and delicious. Enjoy!

CUBAN SPICY YELLOW RICE

Steps:

• Combine all in the rice cooker. Takes about 20 minutes, depending on your cooker. You can adjust seasonings more or less, for your taste.
• Stove top: Combine all except rice in a saucepan, bring to boil. Add rice and cover. Reduce heat to low, cook about 20-25 minutes. Sit 5 minutes, fluff with fork. (Your basic rice cooking instructions).