Mexico

All 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.

In Mexico, rice is traditionally served at the midday meal. It may be served with either beans or fish. When you get rice and beans on your plate at a typical Mexican restaurant, this is not the same as what you would get in Mexico. Besides being used to make the savory rice you are familiar with, rice is also used to make desserts, cakes, and the popular Mexican drink, horchata.

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.

To get fluffy rice, rinse the rice in a colander until the rinse water runs clear. This washes off any excess starch that will make the rice sticky. Mexican rice should be as fluffy as you can get it. Soaking rice ahead of time decrease your cooking time and help prepare the rice to absorb the flavor of the broth and seasonings you add during cooking. In Mexico, they prefer to use a long grain rice that still has a small portion of the germ attached. Medium grained rice that is available in the United States works well for Mexican rice.

When you have leftover rice, just freeze it. Take a sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil and spread the rice out in a thin sheet. Seal up the foil and place it in the freezer. When you want to use it again, just pop it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to reheat it. You do not need to thaw it first.

If you want to make a traditional Mexican rice recipe, take a look online. There are many to choose from. Look for a recipe with lots of flavorful ingredients like onions, carrots, and chilies. Serve your rice with any entre you wish. It goes well with fish, chicken, pork, or beef.

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.

If you like to ensure your family are eating healthy, nutritionally balanced meals, you should check out some Mexican recipes If you thought Mexican food was high in fat or calories, you should look at some traditional Mexican recipes which comprise mainly tasty fresh produce and nutritious fish, meat or chicken.

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