Arroz Blanco Costarricense
Experience the authentic flavor of Costa Rica with this traditional Arroz Blanco (White Rice) recipe. This dish is a staple in Costa Rican cuisine, perfectly complementing a variety of meals. Made with simple ingredients like long-grain rice, fresh vegetables, and aromatic garlic, this rice is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. Serve it alongside your favorite main dishes to capture the essence of Costa Rican dining.
6
Servings
110
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
long-grain white rice
1 cup (uncooked)
canola oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
carrot
1/2 (diced small)
garlic clove
1-2 (minced)
salt
to taste (to season)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the canola or vegetable oil over medium heat.
2
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being cautious not to let it brown.
3
Stir in the long-grain white rice and cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly to ensure all grains are coated with oil.
4
Pour in 2 cups of water, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil for 2-3 minutes.
5
Add the diced carrots and salt to taste, then reduce the heat to low.
6
Cover the saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the water.
7
Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Enjoy it as a side with your favorite Costa Rican dishes!
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
24g
Carbs
2g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arroz Blanco Costarricense?
It is a traditional Costa Rican white rice dish characterized by its use of long-grain rice, garlic, and diced carrots.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is the recommended type for achieving the authentic texture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What kind of oil should I use for frying the rice?
You should use canola oil or vegetable oil.
How much water is needed for one cup of rice?
You will need 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of uncooked rice.
How long should I saute the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
Should I let the garlic brown?
No, be cautious not to let the garlic brown to avoid a bitter taste.
How long do I cook the rice in the oil before adding water?
Stir and cook the rice for approximately 1 minute to coat the grains in oil.
How long should the water and rice boil vigorously?
Let the mixture boil for 2 to 3 minutes before reducing the heat.
When do I add the carrots?
Add the diced carrots along with the salt after the initial boiling phase.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer for 10 minutes or until all water is absorbed.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, keep the saucepan covered during the 10-minute simmering period.
What is the heat setting for simmering the rice?
The heat should be reduced to low for the simmering process.
What should I do once the rice is tender?
Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Arroz Blanco recipe is vegetarian and vegan friendly.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 110 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 1 gram of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this rice provide?
Each serving contains 2 grams of protein.
Does this rice contain fiber?
Yes, it provides about 0.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How much garlic is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 cloves of minced garlic.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains 0mg of cholesterol.
How much salt should I add?
Salt should be added to taste according to your preference.
What is the preparation method for the carrots?
The carrots should be diced small so they cook evenly with the rice.
Can I use this as a side dish?
Yes, it is a staple side dish in Costa Rican cuisine, often served with beans or meat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.
What makes this rice 'Costa Rican' style?
The inclusion of garlic and carrots, and the specific method of coating the rice in oil before simmering, are traditional to Costa Rica.
What is the sodium content?
The sodium content depends on how much salt you add to taste.
Can I use olive oil instead of canola oil?
While canola or vegetable oil is traditional, you can substitute with olive oil if preferred.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no added sugar in this traditional recipe.