What You Need To Know 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 cazuela is a clay vessel that was traditionally used to cook rice. It gives the rice an earthy flavor. Rice is soaked first, drained, and then fried until it is brown. Broth or other liquid is added so the rice can simmer until it is done.
Mexican rice should be fluffy. To make your rice turn out fluffy, rinse the uncooked rice in a colander until the water is no longer cloudy. Rinsing gets rid of excess starch that makes rice sticky. You can also soak your rice ahead of time. This helps lower your cooking time and helps the rice absorb more flavor from the broth and vegetables that are cooked with it. In Mexico, a long grain rice is the preferred variety, but medium
1000
grained rice works well too.
Do not know what to do with leftover rice? Freeze it! Spread out a sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil and spread out the rice in a flat manner. Seal up the foil and stick it in the freezer. They stack very well and you do not need to thaw it to reheat. Just pop the foil packet into the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. You cannot get any easier than this!
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.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
The great thing about Cinco de Mayo is that every family makes their favorite Mexican foods to celebrate with and traditional Cinco de Mayo food is whatever you want to make. There are no traditional foods associated with these festivities so you can make whichever Mexican dishes tantalize your taste buds.
www.MexicanFoodRecipes.org When it has to be Real Authentic Mexican Food
Mail this post