Achiote Infused Mexican Rice Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this Achiote Infused Mexican Rice Delight. This dish features tender white rice beautifully colored and flavored by rich achiote paste, complemented by the aromatic blend of onions and garlic. Optional diced poblano chile adds a subtle kick, while the fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice elevate the dish to perfection. Perfect as a side dish or a base for your favorite proteins, this rice will be a hit at any gathering.
8
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
white rice
2 cups (rinsed and drained)
white onion
1/2 (chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
achiote (Annato red condiment paste)
1 tablespoon (available at Mexican food stores)
poblano chile
1 (deveined, seeded, and diced (optional))
cooking oil
1/3 cup
chicken broth
4 cups (hot)
salt or powdered bouillon
to taste
cilantro
1 sprig
key lime
1/2 (juice only)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.
2
In a blender, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, and achiote paste along with approximately 1 cup of chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
3
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the rinsed rice and sauté until it turns a light golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Pour the blended onion mixture into the skillet with the rice and bring to a boil. Stir well to combine.
5
Once boiling, add half of the remaining hot chicken broth. Reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer until the liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
6
Fluff the rice gently with a fork from the edges towards the center to separate the grains.
7
Add the second half of the hot broth along with the lime juice and season with salt or powdered bouillon to your taste. Stir gently.
8
Reduce the heat further, cover, and continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes.
9
After the time has elapsed, fluff the rice again to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
10
Uncover the skillet and place the cilantro sprig on top. Cover again and allow the rice to stand off the heat for 5 minutes, absorbing the cilantro’s flavor.
11
For presentation, garnish the rice with strips of roasted poblano chile, if desired.
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
72.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Achiote Infused Mexican Rice Delight?
It is a vibrant Mexican side dish featuring tender white rice colored and flavored with achiote paste, onions, and garlic.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
What is the primary flavoring agent in this rice?
The primary flavor and color come from achiote paste, also known as Annato red condiment paste.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of white rice, which should be rinsed and drained before cooking.
Why do I need to rinse the white rice?
Rinsing the rice under cold water until it runs clear removes excess starch, ensuring the grains are fluffy and separate.
How do I prepare the achiote mixture?
Blend the chopped onion, minced garlic, achiote paste, and 1 cup of chicken broth until the mixture is smooth.
How long should I saute the rice?
Saute the rice in cooking oil for about 5-7 minutes or until it turns a light golden brown.
What is the total cooking liquid required?
The recipe requires a total of 4 cups of hot chicken broth.
When do I add the lime juice?
Add the juice from half a key lime during the second stage of simmering along with the remaining broth and salt.
How do I incorporate the cilantro flavor?
Place a cilantro sprig on top of the cooked rice, cover it, and let it stand off the heat for 5 minutes to absorb the aroma.
Is the poblano chile mandatory?
No, the diced poblano chile is optional and can be used for a subtle kick or as a garnish.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much fat is in this dish?
There is 6.25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 72.5g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of the rice?
This dish provides 10g of protein per serving.
How much fiber does this recipe provide?
There is 1.5g of fiber per serving.
Where can I find achiote paste?
Achiote paste is typically available at Mexican food stores or international grocery aisles.
How do I fluff the rice correctly?
Use a fork to gently fluff the rice from the edges towards the center to avoid breaking the grains.
Can I use powdered bouillon instead of salt?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either salt or powdered bouillon to your personal taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
The recipe is tagged as vegetarian, but you must ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What is the purpose of sauteing the rice in oil?
Sauteing toasts the rice, which adds a nutty flavor and helps the grains maintain their structure during simmering.
How much achiote paste is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of achiote paste.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 minced cloves of garlic.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a white onion, chopped.
How long is the total simmering time?
The rice simmers in two stages: first for 15-20 minutes, then for an additional 15 minutes after adding more broth.
What color should the rice be when finished?
The rice will have a vibrant reddish-orange hue thanks to the achiote paste.
Can I use this as a main course?
While it is a perfect side dish, its high protein and calorie content make it a great base for your favorite proteins.
What type of lime is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1/2 of a key lime for its juice.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is this considered a traditional dish?
Yes, it is tagged as traditional Mexican cuisine and comfort food.