In certain regions, you may know this as Spanish or Mexican rice. This is my take on that little yellow package you can buy at the grocer. It's so much better when you make it at home (no msg) and it's cheaper. I have two methods noted here; one for plain cooked rice and the other using raw rice and your #Instantpot.
Ingredients
1 tbsp neutral oil
1 1/2 tsp achiote seeds aka Bijol powder (crushed seeds)
1 onion, finely diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 stalks celery, finely diced
1/4 green bell pepper or red, small diced
1 tomato, finely diced
2-4 saffron threads
2-3 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano, dried
1 tsp coriander dried
1 tsp sweet paprika
1/4 tsp celery seed
bay leaf
tt salt
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
3-4 saffron threads
3 cups chicken stock
tt salt (if desired)
cilantro, chopped
sprinkle of white sugar
Instructions
Read Susie's Tips and Tricks
1. In a large saute pan, add oil on medium low heat and then add the achiote seeds. These will bleed colour into the oil in a few minutes. Remove the seeds and begin sauteing the onion, garlic, bell pepper, celery, tomato or paste, herbs and spices, and salt.
2. Add a bit of chicken stock or water to kick the process along. Now add your cooked rice (2-1/2 cups) and a pinch of saffron. Gently mix the white plain cooked rice so that it is coated in the coloured oil and vegetables. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Instantpot Instructions:
Saute the vegetables as above in your instantpot; then add white rice, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Close lid and lock pressure valve. High pressure for 8 minutes. Then release the pressure after 10 minutes.
Susie's Tips and Tricks
You are using a sofrito; a mixture of all finely diced onion, garlic, bell pepper; red is probably used but go with green if desired. (save money next time you buy a pepper; freeze a 1/4 cup for recipes like these).
Since I’m lazy aka cheap, I’d just add a tbsp of regular ketchup. You could open up a can of tomato paste but that’s kind of a waste for 2 Tbsp (freeze remaining). Up to you.
Saffron is listed as second to last item so I doubt it has much at all. And it’s likely the poorest of quality. The kind you can buy in stores for $3-.
The one ingredient I didn’t add is msg. The package includes two forms including: traditional mono-sodium glutamate and hydrolyzed corn protein. Keep this in mind.
I added a pinch of sugar because the store product has several forms of sweetener.
Make a vegetarian version using vegetable stock.
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