>I like rice dishes, and the family does, too. We keep a few rice mixes (Rice-a-Roni and Zatarain’s) in the pantry, but I’d really like to cook more from scratch. Lately I’ve been experimenting with Spanish Rice as a side dish to go with refried beans as a side for tacos & burritos & fajitas. All are simple suppers, and rice is a simple side dish. Right? Well, maybe.
I tried cooking the rice in water flavored with taco seasoning. The results were okay, but not stellar.
Cooking the rice in beef or chicken broth worked a little better. A teaspoon of chili powder and/or red pepper flakes helped, too. Diced onion and green & red peppers made a nice addition to the flavor as well.
But I still feel like this version of what I call Arroz Mexicano (and serve most often in combination with Frijoles, refried beans) needs something more.
Ideas, anyone? What are your favorite ways to spice up rice?
>On the rice aisle of my local store there are tubes of yellow rice that have a chicken base added and it is mighty good. I use a Basmati (Ultra Long Grain) rice for most meals. I cook pork chops in the pan and then make spanish rice on top of them. I use vadalia onions when they are available. I still eat potatoes but I do eat a lot of rice. MUD
>I love rice. I am trying to use more brown rice. I haven’t made Spanish Brown, but here’s what I do for regular Spanish. I start cooking rice the normal way with water. While it’s still working up to a boil, I add chopped onion, a little chopped celery, cumin, a can of diced tomato, chopped peppers, if I have them and a cup of frozen corn. The spicier seasonings I add after it’s cooked, as my kids won’t eat spicy food, so I have to segregate theirs first. Hey – I think I just solved the supper conundrum! BTW – leftovers make excellent burrito filling.
>I have a rice steamer that I use all the time. I add different things: broth, sesame oil, tamari, herbs, spices, a little onion, nuts. It depends on the flavor I'm looking for.I almost nevr use packaged mixes except occasionally Far East.
>I LOVE yellow rice. It could eat it just plain and be happy 🙂
I've heard that some yellow rice also has achiote and tumeric.
>Saffron. It is expensive, but it has that wonderful taste.
Also, a shot of red wine vinegar at the end. It sounds bizarre, but I swear it works.