Tico Rice

Tico Rice Recipe from Costa Rica with Cilantro, Onion, and Sweet Pepper

Region / culture: Costa Rica | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tico Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that originates from Costa Rica. This dish is a staple in Costa Rican cuisine and is loved for its simplicity and delicious taste. Tico Rice is made with simple ingredients like rice, cilantro, onion, and sweet pepper, making it an easy and budget-friendly meal to prepare.

History

Tico Rice has been a popular dish in Costa Rica for many years. It is a traditional dish that is often served at family gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions. The dish is loved for its comforting and satisfying flavors, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Ingredients

2-4 sprigs of fresh or frozen cilantro (coriander leaf), not dried!
0.5 small or medium onion
0.5 small red or yellow sweet pepper (optional)
3 cups (700 ml) of chicken broth or water
2 cups (350 ml) of white rice
0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) of salt

How to prepare

Chop the cilantro, onion, and sweet pepper into very fine pieces.
In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Add the dry rice and sauté for 2 minutes. Then, add the chopped onion, sweet pepper, and cilantro, and sauté for another 2 minutes.
Pour water or chicken broth into the pan and bring it to a boil. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to simmer until the rice is tender, which usually takes around 20–35 minutes. This recipe can also be used to make Tico rice, a popular dish in Costa Rica, as well as favorites like tamales and Gallo Pinto.

Variations

Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beans to the dish to increase the protein content.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.
Add diced tomatoes, corn, or black beans for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chop the cilantro, onion, and sweet pepper into very fine pieces to ensure even distribution of flavors in the dish.

- Sautéing the rice before adding the water or broth helps to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Be sure to cover the pan while simmering the rice to ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors of the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Tico Rice can be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for Tico Rice is sautéing the rice before adding the water or broth. This helps to enhance the flavor of the dish and ensures that the rice cooks evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro or parsley as a substitute.

- You can use any color of sweet pepper in the recipe, depending on your preference.

- If you don't have white rice, you can use brown rice or quinoa as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tico Rice in a colorful bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve the dish alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Tico Rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. It also pairs well with a side of black beans, plantains, or avocado for a traditional Costa Rican meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tico Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Tico Rice typically contains around 200-250 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie dish. This makes it a great option for those looking to maintain or lose weight.

Carbohydrates

Tico Rice is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the main source of carbs coming from the white rice used in the recipe. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

Tico Rice is a low-fat dish, with minimal fat content coming from the oil used for sautéing the ingredients. This makes it a healthy option for those looking to reduce their fat intake.

Proteins

Tico Rice is a protein-deficient dish, as it does not contain any significant sources of protein. To make this dish more balanced, you can add protein-rich ingredients like chicken, shrimp, or beans.

Vitamins and minerals

Tico Rice is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly from the cilantro, onion, and sweet pepper used in the recipe. These ingredients are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

Tico Rice is a gluten-free and dairy-free dish, making it suitable for those with gluten or dairy allergies. However, if you have allergies to any of the ingredients used in the recipe, be sure to make appropriate substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Tico Rice is a nutritious and balanced dish that is low in fat and calories. It is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy option for a meal.

Summary

Tico Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare and budget-friendly. This traditional Costa Rican dish is loved for its comforting flavors and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal. With simple ingredients and easy cooking techniques, Tico Rice is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Tico Rice. It was many years ago, when I was a young girl living in Costa Rica. I had always been interested in cooking, and my grandmother, who was an amazing cook herself, had taught me many traditional Costa Rican recipes.

One day, I was walking through the local market in San Jose when I came across a small stall selling spices and dried herbs. The stall was run by an elderly woman with a kind smile and a twinkle in her eye. As I browsed through her selection, she struck up a conversation with me, asking me about my favorite dishes and sharing stories about her own culinary adventures.

As we talked, she mentioned a recipe for Tico Rice that she had learned from her own grandmother many years ago. She described it as a flavorful and comforting dish, made with simple ingredients that were easy to find in any Costa Rican kitchen. Intrigued, I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me.

To my delight, she agreed. She pulled out a worn and battered notebook from under her stall and flipped through the pages until she found the recipe she was looking for. As she read it out loud to me, I could almost taste the rich flavors of the dish in my mind. I knew that I had to try making it for myself.

That night, I rushed home to my grandmother's kitchen, eager to recreate the recipe for Tico Rice. I carefully measured out the ingredients, following the instructions that the kind old woman had given me. The kitchen was filled with the warm and comforting aromas of garlic, onions, and bell peppers as the rice cooked on the stove.

When the dish was finally ready, I took a hesitant bite, unsure of what to expect. But as soon as the flavors hit my taste buds, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. The Tico Rice was a symphony of flavors – savory and sweet, with just a hint of spice from the jalapeños. It was a dish that spoke to my soul, reminding me of the rich culinary heritage of my beloved Costa Rica.

From that day on, Tico Rice became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Each time I cooked it, I would think back to that chance encounter at the market and the kind woman who had shared her recipe with me.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a celebration of the vibrant and diverse flavors of Costa Rican cuisine.

Today, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of my childhood, I can't help but feel grateful for that fateful day at the market. It was a moment that changed the course of my culinary journey, leading me down a path of discovery and creativity that I never could have imagined.

And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Tico Rice, I can't help but smile, knowing that the spirit of that kind old woman and her timeless recipe lives on in every bite.