ARROZ MEXICANO, FOOLPROOF MEXICAN RICE

Arroz Mexicano, Foolproof Mexican Rice image

Provided by CookingBlues

Categories Rice

Time 40m

Yield 1/2 cup, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tomatoes, vine ripe
4 cups chicken broth, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 large carrot, finely diced
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 cups medium grain rice, uncooked
2 teaspoons salt
1 bay leaf
1 serrano chili, WHOLE
2 tablespoons tomato paste, see NOTE (optional)
1/4 cup green peas, fresh or thawed frozen

Steps:

Cut the tomatoes in half, and squeeze slightly to remove the seeds. Add the tomatoes and 2 cups of broth to a blender and puree.
Strain the tomato mixture through a sieve into a bowl and reserve the liquid. Add enough extra broth to make 4 cups of liquid.
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and carrots and saute for 4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute.
Stir in the uncooked rice and cook until slightly toasted, about 3 minutes.
Add the tomato broth mixture, stir and bring to boil.
Add the salt, bay leaf, and the WHOLE serrano chile. NOTE: For a deeper colored rice, stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste when adding the salt, bay leaf and serrano chile.
Reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove the pan from heat.
Scatter the peas over the top of the rice, cover, and let the rice stand 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork, and remove the chile. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.