Arroz Blanco II

Arroz Blanco II Recipe from Spain with Butter, Onion, Garlic, Rice, and Chicken Broth

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

Introduction

Arroz Blanco, or white rice, is a staple in many cuisines around the globe, known for its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of dishes. This particular recipe, Arroz Blanco II, elevates the simple white rice by incorporating onions, garlic, and chicken broth, adding layers of flavor that transform it from a side dish to a memorable part of any meal.

History

The tradition of cooking rice with spices and broth traces back centuries across various cultures. In Latin America, Arroz Blanco is a foundational dish, often served alongside beans, meats, and vegetables. This version, with its added aromatics, reflects the evolution of the recipe as it passed through generations, each adding their own touch to enhance the basic white rice.

Ingredients

1 tbsp butter or margarine
0.5 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups chicken broth

How to prepare

Melt the margarine in a 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan over medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is tender.
Add the rice and broth. Bring it to a boil and stir.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork.

Variations

Consider adding peas, carrots, or corn to the rice before cooking for a colorful and nutritious twist. For a richer flavor, replace the chicken broth with vegetable or beef broth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the fluffiest rice, ensure you rinse the rice grains under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Additionally, letting the rice rest off the heat, covered, for 5-10 minutes after cooking will help the grains absorb any remaining moisture evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Arroz Blanco II as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces and salsas for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the sautéing of onions and garlic before adding the rice and broth, which unlocks the aromatics' flavors, infusing the rice with a delicious depth.

Ingredient Substitutions

If margarine is not available, butter or a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil can be used. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Make Ahead Tips

This rice can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the rice in a large, shallow bowl, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Arroz Blanco II pairs well with robust flavors like grilled meats or spicy dishes, as its mildness provides a perfect balance.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little added water or broth to keep it moist.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Arroz Blanco II contains approximately 200 calories, making it a moderate option for those monitoring their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

A serving of this Arroz Blanco II contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the rice, making it a good source of energy.

Fats

This recipe is low in fats, with only about 2 grams per serving, coming mainly from the margarine used to sauté the onions and garlic.

Proteins

Each serving of Arroz Blanco II provides around 4 grams of protein, which comes from the small amount of chicken broth and the rice itself.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish offers a variety of vitamins and minerals, including small amounts of vitamin C from the onions and garlic, as well as iron and potassium contributed by the chicken broth and rice.

Alergens

This recipe is free from most common allergens, including nuts, dairy, and gluten. However, those with sensitivities to alliums (onions and garlic) should take caution.

Summary

Overall, Arroz Blanco II is a balanced dish, offering carbohydrates for energy, low levels of fats, and a modest amount of protein, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Arroz Blanco II is a versatile and flavorful take on traditional white rice, enriched with onions, garlic, and chicken broth. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that complements a wide range of meals, offering nutritional benefits and the potential for various adaptations to suit any taste.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Arroz Blanco II. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her small village in Mexico. Maria was known for her delicious rice dishes, and I was eager to learn her secrets.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the fragrant smells of spices and herbs, Maria began to teach me how to make Arroz Blanco II. She explained that this dish was a traditional Mexican recipe passed down through generations in her family. The key to making it perfectly was to use the freshest ingredients and to cook it slowly over low heat.

Maria showed me how to wash the rice until the water ran clear, removing any excess starch that could make the rice sticky. She then sautéed onions and garlic in a large skillet until they were golden and fragrant. Next, she added the rice and stirred it constantly until it was coated in the aromatic mixture.

The secret ingredient in Maria's recipe was homemade chicken broth, which she simmered on the stove for hours until it was rich and flavorful. She poured the broth over the rice, along with a pinch of salt and a bay leaf, and brought the mixture to a gentle boil.

As the rice cooked, Maria shared stories of her family and the traditions they held dear. She spoke of her grandmother, who had taught her how to cook when she was just a young girl, and of the simple pleasures of sharing a meal with loved ones.

After about 20 minutes, the rice had absorbed all the broth and had become light and fluffy. Maria fluffed it with a fork and garnished it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As we sat down to eat, Maria watched me anxiously, waiting for my reaction. I took a bite of the Arroz Blanco II and was immediately transported back to my childhood, to the flavors of my own grandmother's kitchen. The rice was perfectly cooked, with a subtle richness from the broth and a hint of brightness from the lime.

I couldn't believe how easy it was to make such a delicious dish, and I thanked Maria profusely for sharing her recipe with me. She smiled and said that cooking was a way to connect with our past and to honor the traditions of those who came before us.

Since that day, Arroz Blanco II has become a staple in my own kitchen. I make it for my family and friends, sharing the stories and memories that are woven into every grain of rice. And every time I cook it, I am reminded of Maria and the joy of discovering a new recipe that will be passed down through generations to come.