Mexican Rice

Mexican-Rice

12 ounces tomatoes, very ripe and cored1 medium white onion3 medium jalapenos2 cups long grain white rice1/3 cup canola oil4 minced garlic cloves2 cups chicken broth1 tablespoon tomato paste (may omit if using canned tomatoes)1 1/2 teaspoons salt1/2 cup fresh cilantro, minced1 limeAdjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350.Process tomato and onion in processor or blender until pureed and thoroughly smooth. Transfer mixture to measuring cup and reserve exactly 2 cups. Discard excess.Remove ribs and seeds from 2 jalapenos and discard. Mince flesh and set aside. Mince remaining jalapeno. Set aside.Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until water runs clear- about 1 1/2 minutes.Shake rice vigorously to remove excess water.This step removes the starch from the rice so it will not stick. IF YOU OMIT THIS STEP YOUR RICE WILL NOT BE DRY AND FLUFFY.Heat oil in heavy bottomed ovensafe 12 inch straight sided sautee pan or Dutch oven with tight fitting lid over low-medium heat about 2 minutes. (The recipe is very specific about this but I used a 10 inch dutch oven and it worked out fine.) Drop a few rice grains in and if they sizzle then it is ready. Add rice and fry stirring until rice is light golden and translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Be careful that the oil doesn’t get too hot too fast or the oil will splatter.Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and 2 minced jalapenos and cook , stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes.Stir in broth, pureed mixture,tomato paste, and salt. Increase heat to medium high, and bring to a boil.Cover pan and transfer pan to oven to bake until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, 30-35 minutes.Stir well after 15 minutes.Stir in cilantro, minced jalapeno to taste, and pass lime wedges separately.
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