Bolivian Cheese Rice Delight
Experience the rich culinary heritage of Bolivia with this delightful dish, Arroz Con Queso, featuring creamy cheese and savory rice. This comforting side dish showcases the unique flavor of traditional kolla cheese, though queso fresco offers a delightful alternative. Perfect as a complement to any meal, this dish brings a taste of Bolivian culture to your dinner table. Prepared using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, this recipe is ideal for both adventurous eaters and home cooks looking to explore the flavors of South America. Join me on this culinary journey in my blog, 'Travel by Stove,' where I strive to prepare a meal from every nation on Earth.
N/A
Servings
233
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
short-grain rice
2 cups (rinsed)
crumbled queso fresco
1 1/2 cups (fresh)
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
red onion
1 tablespoon (minced)
milk
1 cup (heated)
water
6 cups (boiled)
salt
to taste (added to water)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 6 cups of salted water to a rapid boil.
2
Once boiling, add the short-grain rice and continue to boil uncovered. Stir occasionally, and monitor the rice until almost all the water is absorbed, leaving it slightly wet but without pools of water.
3
While the rice is cooking, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red onion, sautéing for about 4-5 minutes until they soften. Avoid browning them.
4
In a separate saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Once the milk comes to a gentle boil, remove it from heat.
5
When the rice is nearly done, carefully add the hot milk, crumbled cheese, and the sautéed garlic-onion mixture to the pot of rice.
6
Reduce the heat to low and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and well combined with the rice, creating a creamy texture.
7
Taste and adjust salt levels as necessary before serving.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
31g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bolivian Cheese Rice Delight?
Bolivian Cheese Rice Delight, also known as Arroz Con Queso, is a traditional creamy rice side dish from Bolivia.
What is the traditional name for this recipe?
The traditional name for this dish is Arroz Con Queso.
What type of cheese is traditionally used in Bolivia for this dish?
Traditionally, this recipe uses kolla cheese, which provides a unique local flavor.
What is a good substitute for kolla cheese?
Queso fresco is a delightful and widely available alternative to kolla cheese.
How much cheese is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of crumbled queso fresco.
What kind of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of short-grain rice for the best texture.
How much water is needed to cook the rice?
You need 6 cups of salted water to boil the rice.
Should the rice be boiled with a lid on?
No, the rice should be boiled uncovered in a large pot.
How much garlic is used in this dish?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of minced red onion.
How long should I sauté the garlic and onion?
Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they soften, but avoid browning them.
How much milk is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of milk.
How should the milk be prepared before adding it to the rice?
The milk should be heated in a separate saucepan until it reaches a gentle boil.
At what point do I add the cheese and milk?
Add the hot milk and crumbled cheese when the rice is nearly done and most water is absorbed.
What is the final texture of the rice supposed to be?
The dish should have a creamy texture once the cheese is fully melted and combined.
Is this dish served as a main course?
No, it is primarily intended as a savory side dish.
How many calories are in a serving of this rice?
There are approximately 233 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains about 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 31 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This dish provides 10 grams of protein per serving.
Is Bolivian Cheese Rice Delight vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What country does this dish come from?
This dish is a traditional part of Bolivian cuisine.
Who is the author of this recipe post?
The recipe is featured on the blog 'Travel by Stove,' which explores meals from every nation.
What should I do if the rice is too dry?
The instructions suggest leaving the rice slightly wet before adding the milk to maintain creaminess.
Should the heat be high when adding the cheese?
No, reduce the heat to low when stirring in the cheese and milk.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe uses 7 simple ingredients including salt and water.
Should I rinse the rice before cooking?
Yes, the ingredients list specifies that the short-grain rice should be rinsed.
How do I prevent the milk from scorching?
Heat the milk over medium-low heat and stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching.
When should I add salt?
Add salt to the boiling water initially, then taste and adjust at the very end before serving.
Is this recipe difficult for beginners?
No, it is described as an ideal recipe for home cooks using straightforward techniques.