YELLOW RICE (ARROZ AMARILLO)

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Yellow Rice (Arroz Amarillo) image

Sofrito, a sautéed vegetable mixture that typically contains garlic, onion, and bell pepper, is used as a seasoning in much of Latin America and the Caribbean. Here, it flavors yellow rice. The color comes from annatto seeds-which have an astringent, slightly peppery flavor-heated in oil until bright red-orange.

Categories     Side     Vegetarian     Bell Pepper     Vegan     Cilantro     Seed     Simmer     Boil     Gourmet     Sugar Conscious     Kidney Friendly     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 4 (side dish) servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon annatto seeds (see cooks' note, below)
1/4 cup mild olive or vegetable oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 3/4 cups long-grain white rice
3 cups water

Steps:

  • Heat annatto seeds and oil in a very small saucepan over low heat, swirling pan frequently, until oil turns bright red-orange and begins to simmer, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, discarding seeds.
  • Cook onion, bell pepper, garlic, and cilantro in 1 1/2 tablespoons annatto oil in a 2-to 3-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until vegetables are softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, until most of grains are opaque, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in water and 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Stir rice again, then reduce heat to low and cook, covered, until rice is just tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes.
  • Fluff rice with a fork before serving.

There are no comments yet!