Mexican Yellow Rice

Mexican Yellow Rice Recipe: A Delicious Dish from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mexican Yellow Rice is a flavorful and colorful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of Mexican dishes. This dish is easy to make and adds a pop of color to your dinner table.

History

Mexican Yellow Rice has its roots in traditional Mexican cuisine, where rice is a staple ingredient. The addition of turmeric gives the rice its vibrant yellow color and adds a subtle earthy flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of chopped onion
0.5 cup of green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 tbsp of butter or margarine
1 cup of uncooked rice
2 cups of chicken broth
0.25 tsp of turmeric
a dash of ground red pepper
0.33 cup of sliced pimentos
0.33 cup of sliced ripe olives

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook the onion and green pepper in butter until tender-crisp.
Add the rice, broth, turmeric, and red pepper. Bring to a boil and stir once or twice.
Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the pimientos and heat thoroughly.

Variations

Add in some corn kernels for a sweet and crunchy addition.
Swap out the green bell pepper for red or yellow bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a tight-fitting lid when simmering the rice to ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs all the liquid.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding in your favorite vegetables or protein for a more hearty dish.

- For a spicier version, add in some diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mexican Yellow Rice alongside your favorite Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, tacos, or fajitas. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Mexican Yellow Rice is to simmer it on low heat with a tight-fitting lid to ensure that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pimentos on hand, you can use roasted red peppers instead. You can also use black olives instead of ripe olives for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Mexican Yellow Rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mexican Yellow Rice in a colorful bowl garnished with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a vibrant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mexican Yellow Rice with a refreshing cucumber salad or a side of black beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Mexican Yellow Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mexican Yellow Rice contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mexican Yellow Rice contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mexican Yellow Rice contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mexican Yellow Rice contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mexican Yellow Rice is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the bell peppers and pimentos. It also contains iron and potassium from the olives.

Alergens

This recipe contains margarine, which may contain dairy. It also contains olives, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Mexican Yellow Rice is a nutritious side dish that is low in calories and fats. It provides a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins.

Summary

Mexican Yellow Rice is a delicious and colorful side dish that is easy to make and pairs well with a variety of Mexican dishes. With its vibrant yellow color and flavorful ingredients, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day in the bustling streets of Mexico City, and I found myself wandering through a vibrant market filled with colorful fruits, vegetables, and spices. The air was thick with the scent of chili peppers and freshly made tortillas, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement as I browsed through the various stalls.

As I made my way through the market, I stumbled upon a small, unassuming stand run by an elderly woman with weathered hands and a warm smile. She was busy stirring a large pot of steaming yellow rice, and the aroma that wafted from it was absolutely intoxicating. I couldn't resist the temptation to ask her for the recipe, and to my surprise, she agreed to share it with me.

The woman explained that Mexican yellow rice was a traditional dish that had been passed down through generations in her family. She told me that the key to making the perfect yellow rice was to use a combination of fresh ingredients and spices, including saffron, cumin, and a touch of turmeric for color. She also stressed the importance of cooking the rice slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich, aromatic dish.

I watched intently as the woman demonstrated how to prepare the yellow rice, taking note of each step and ingredient she used. She moved with a grace and ease that only comes from years of experience in the kitchen, and I knew that I was in the presence of a true master of her craft.

After she had finished cooking the rice, the woman poured it into a large serving dish and garnished it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. I couldn't wait to taste it, and with her encouragement, I took a bite of the warm, fragrant rice.

The flavors exploded on my tongue, each bite a symphony of spices and seasonings that danced together in perfect harmony. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

I thanked the woman profusely for sharing her recipe with me, and as I made my way back through the market, I couldn't stop thinking about the delicious yellow rice that I had just discovered. I knew that I would have to recreate it in my own kitchen, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends.

When I returned home, I set to work gathering the ingredients I would need to make the yellow rice. I carefully measured out the saffron, cumin, and turmeric, marveling at the vibrant colors and fragrances that filled my kitchen. I thought back to the kind woman in the market, her hands deftly working the pot of rice, and I felt a sense of gratitude for the knowledge she had passed on to me.

As the rice cooked slowly on the stove, I felt a sense of anticipation building within me. I knew that this dish would be a labor of love, a tribute to the rich culinary traditions of Mexico that had been shared with me by a stranger in a bustling market.

Finally, the rice was ready, and I carefully spooned it into a serving dish, garnishing it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, just as the woman had done. I couldn't wait to taste it, to see if I had truly captured the magic of Mexican yellow rice in my own kitchen.

As I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and savored the flavors that exploded on my tongue. The rice was perfect, each grain infused with the warmth of saffron, the earthiness of cumin, and the subtle hint of turmeric. It was a dish that spoke of tradition and history, of a culture that valued food as a means of bringing people together.

I knew in that moment that I had found a new favorite recipe, one that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come. And as I sat down to enjoy my meal, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter with a kind stranger that had led me to discover the magic of Mexican yellow rice.