Mexican Rice Fiesta Recipe with Chili and Cheddar

Rice Fiesta

Mexican Rice Fiesta Recipe with Chili and Cheddar
Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Rice Fiesta
Rice Fiesta

Rice Fiesta is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of rice, chili, and cheese for a satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for serving at a gathering with friends and family.

History

Rice Fiesta is a popular dish that has been enjoyed by many for years. It is a comforting and flavorful meal that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Cook the onion in oil until it becomes tender but not brown.
  2. Add the rice, salt, chili powder, and broth. Bring it to a boil.
  3. Stir well, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice becomes tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Stir in the chili.
  5. Spoon half of the mixture into a buttered shallow 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) casserole dish.
  6. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese on top. Then, add the remaining rice mixture and top it with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
  7. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until it becomes hot and bubbly.

Variations

  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the dish.
  • Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and texture.
  • Top with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onion until it is tender but not brown to bring out its flavor without overpowering the dish.

- Stir the rice mixture well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

- Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil to prevent the cheese from burning while baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rice Fiesta with a side of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a crisp green salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Rice Fiesta is to cook the rice until it is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to stir the mixture well and cover it tightly while baking to ensure that the cheese melts evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken or vegetable broth as a substitute. You can also use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Rice Fiesta can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake as directed when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Rice Fiesta in individual ramekins for a fun and elegant presentation. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Rice Fiesta pairs well with a cold beer or a glass of red wine. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Rice Fiesta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice Fiesta contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

Rice Fiesta is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the rice and chili providing a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

The cheese in Rice Fiesta adds a delicious richness to the dish, but also contributes to the fat content. Be mindful of portion sizes if you are watching your fat intake.

Proteins

The beef broth and cheese in Rice Fiesta provide a good amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice Fiesta is a good source of calcium from the cheese, which is important for strong bones and teeth. The chili also provides vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the cheese, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Rice Fiesta is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Rice Fiesta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, it is a well-rounded meal that is sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy this delicious recipe with friends and family for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Rice Fiesta. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was known for her delicious cooking and she had a special talent for creating mouthwatering dishes out of simple ingredients.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the incredible aroma of spices and herbs. Maria was bustling around the kitchen, stirring pots and tasting sauces, her hands moving with the grace and precision of a seasoned chef.

I watched in awe as she effortlessly whipped up a feast fit for royalty. The centerpiece of the meal was a dish she called Rice Fiesta. It was a colorful medley of saffron-infused rice, tender chicken, sweet bell peppers, and plump shrimp, all simmered together in a fragrant broth. The sight and smell of it made my mouth water.

"Maria, what is this amazing dish you're making?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity any longer.

Maria smiled and beckoned me closer. "This, my dear friend, is my signature dish - Rice Fiesta. A recipe passed down through generations in my family. It's a celebration of flavors and a true crowd-pleaser."

I watched as she added a pinch of this and a dash of that, her movements fluid and confident. She explained each step of the process to me, her voice soft and soothing like a lullaby.

As the dish simmered on the stove, Maria poured us each a glass of chilled sangria and we sat at her kitchen table, reminiscing about the old days and sharing stories of our families.

I listened intently as Maria spoke of her grandmother, a formidable woman with a fierce love for cooking. She told me how her grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes and perfecting old ones. Rice Fiesta was her masterpiece, a dish that brought joy and comfort to all who tasted it.

I felt a deep longing in my heart as Maria spoke, a yearning to create something as beautiful and meaningful as Rice Fiesta. I knew that I had to learn the recipe, to carry on the tradition and honor the memory of Maria's grandmother.

And so, over the course of that summer, Maria became my mentor and guide, teaching me the secrets of Rice Fiesta. We spent countless hours in her kitchen, chopping, stirring, and tasting until we had perfected the recipe.

I learned that the key to Rice Fiesta was in the spices - a delicate balance of cumin, paprika, and turmeric that lent the dish its bold and complex flavor. I learned the importance of patience, allowing the ingredients to meld and marry together over a slow simmer.

But most of all, I learned the importance of love. Love for the food, love for the process, and love for the people who would ultimately enjoy the dish.

As the summer drew to a close, Maria presented me with a handwritten copy of the recipe for Rice Fiesta. Tears welled up in my eyes as I read her words, written in elegant script on yellowed paper.

"My dear friend," the note read, "may this recipe bring you as much joy and fulfillment as it has brought me. Cook with love and share with those you hold dear. And remember, the true magic of Rice Fiesta lies not in the ingredients, but in the memories and traditions that it carries."

And so, armed with Maria's recipe and a heart full of gratitude, I set out to share the magic of Rice Fiesta with my own family and friends. With each pot of simmering rice and each bite of savory chicken, I felt a connection to the past and a sense of purpose in the present.

And as I watched my loved ones smile and savor each bite of Rice Fiesta, I knew that I had truly learned the most important lesson of all - that the best recipes are those made with love.

Categories

| Beef Stock And Broth Recipes | Canned Chili Recipes | Cheddar Recipes | Mexican Meat Dishes | Mexican Recipes | Onion Recipes | Rice Recipes |

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