Saffron-Infused Caribbean Rice Delight
This vibrant and aromatic Caribbean Rice Delight features a rich blend of sofrito, a traditional sautéed vegetable mixture that enhances the flavors of this dish. Infused with the alluring hue of annatto seeds and the fragrant undertones of garlic, onion, and green bell pepper, this rice dish is perfect for any occasion. Cooked to perfection, the long-grain rice soaks up the savory sofrito and delicious spices, creating a delightful accompaniment for any main course. With its beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor profile, this dish will transport your taste buds straight to the Caribbean.
4
Servings
195
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
annatto seeds
1 (tablespoon)
olive oil
1/4 (cup)
onion
1/2 (cup, finely chopped)
green bell pepper
1/4 (cup, finely chopped)
garlic
2 (large cloves, finely chopped)
cilantro
1/4 (cup, chopped)
long-grain white rice
1 3/4 (cups)
salt
1 (teaspoon)
water
3 (cups)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the annatto seeds and olive oil. Swirl the pan frequently and heat until the oil turns a vibrant red-orange and begins to simmer, about 1 to 2 minutes.
2
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the oil to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the annatto seeds.
3
In a heavy-bottomed 2 to 3-quart saucepan, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the annatto oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, garlic, and cilantro, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4
Stir in the rice until all grains are coated in the oil, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until they begin to appear slightly opaque.
5
Add 3 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to the saucepan, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil. After boiling, give the rice a gentle stir, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Allow to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
6
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.
7
Fluff the rice with a fork just before serving, and enjoy the colorful presentation and delightful aroma.
Nutrition Information
5.25g
Fat
30.75g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saffron-Infused Caribbean Rice Delight?
It is a vibrant and aromatic Caribbean side dish featuring rice cooked with a traditional sofrito and naturally colored with annatto-infused oil.
Does this recipe actually contain saffron?
While named 'Saffron-Infused', the recipe uses annatto seeds to achieve a similar golden-orange hue and earthy flavor profile common in Caribbean cuisine.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 195 calories, 5.25g of fat, 30.75g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein.
What is sofrito in the context of this recipe?
In this dish, sofrito is a sautéed mixture of onion, green bell pepper, garlic, and cilantro that serves as the flavor base.
How do I prepare the annatto oil?
Heat annatto seeds in olive oil over low heat until the oil turns vibrant red-orange, then steep for 10 minutes and strain.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of long-grain white rice.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
How much water is needed to cook the rice?
You will need 3 cups of water.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until tender.
Why must the rice sit covered after cooking?
Allowing it to sit for 5 minutes lets the residual steam finish cooking the rice evenly and ensures a better texture.
What gives the rice its orange color?
The vibrant color comes from the annatto seeds infused into the olive oil.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
One teaspoon of salt is used to season the rice.
Can I eat the annatto seeds?
No, the seeds should be strained out and discarded after the oil has been infused.
What size saucepan is recommended?
A heavy-bottomed 2 to 3-quart saucepan is ideal for cooking this rice.
How should I prepare the garlic?
You should use 2 large cloves, finely chopped.
What is the preparation for the onion?
Use 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
What kind of pepper is used in the sofrito?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of finely chopped green bell pepper.
Should I rinse the rice?
The instructions do not specify rinsing, but the rice is toasted in oil for 1 to 2 minutes before adding water.
Is this a gluten-free dish?
Yes, rice and the vegetables used are naturally gluten-free.
How much cilantro is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is combining annatto seeds and olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat.
Is this dish considered a main course or a side?
It is primarily categorized as a side dish.
How much olive oil is required in total?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil for the infusion process.
What should the rice look like after sautéing?
The grains should appear slightly opaque and be well-coated in the annatto oil.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, there is no sugar listed in the ingredients or nutritional data.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include Caribbean, rice, sofrito, annatto, side dish, and vegetarian.
How do I serve the rice?
Fluff the rice with a fork just before serving to maintain a light and airy texture.
What is the difficulty level of this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as 'easy'.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients.