Saffron Infused Mexican Red Rice
This Saffron Infused Mexican Red Rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that beautifully complements any grilled main course. The luxurious essence of saffron, combined with the sweetness of red bell peppers, the aromatic spices, and the rich tomato sauce, creates a visually stunning and deliciously satisfying rice dish. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or weeknight meals, this rice is versatile and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Allow this delightful recipe to transport your taste buds to the heart of Mexico, elevating your dining experience with each bite!
8
Servings
225
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil
3 tablespoons
Chopped Onion
2/3 cup (finely chopped)
Uncooked White Rice
1 1/2 cups
Chopped Red Bell Pepper
1 cup (finely chopped)
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon
Tomato Sauce
1 (12 ounce) can
Salt
2 teaspoons
Minced Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Powdered Saffron
1/8 teaspoon
Water
3 cups
Instructions
1
In a heavy saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become golden and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure to coat each grain with the oil. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted.
4
Add the chopped red bell pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, tomato sauce, salt, minced garlic, saffron, and water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5
Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Make sure to check periodically for sufficient liquid and give the rice a gentle stir to avoid sticking.
7
Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Serve warm as a delightful side dish.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
50g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saffron Infused Mexican Red Rice?
It is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that combines the luxurious essence of saffron with the sweetness of red bell peppers and rich tomato sauce, designed to complement grilled main courses.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of Saffron Infused Mexican Red Rice?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
Is this rice recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 1/2 cups of uncooked white rice.
How much saffron is required for the recipe?
You will need 1/8 teaspoon of powdered saffron.
What spices provide the flavor for this Mexican rice?
The dish is seasoned with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and minced garlic.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The chopped onions should be sautéed for approximately 5-7 minutes until they become golden and translucent.
Do I need to toast the rice before adding liquid?
Yes, you should stir the rice in oil for about 1-2 minutes until it is slightly toasted.
What is the total carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 50 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much water is needed for the rice?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of water.
What size of tomato sauce can should I use?
You should use one 12-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer on low heat for 30 to 40 minutes.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides 3.75 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 2.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much fiber does this rice contain?
The recipe provides 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
Should the saucepan be covered during cooking?
Yes, the saucepan should be covered with a tight-fitting lid while the mixture simmers.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Check the rice periodically for sufficient liquid and give it a gentle stir during the simmering process.
How long should the rice rest after cooking?
Let the rice sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the heat before fluffing.
What is the recommended final step before serving?
Fluff the rice with a fork before serving it warm.
Can this rice be eaten at room temperature?
Yes, it can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
What are some suggested pairings for this rice?
It is an excellent pairing for any grilled main course.
How much red bell pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of finely chopped red bell pepper.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How much garlic should I add?
Add 1 minced clove of garlic to the rice mixture.
How much chili powder is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
How much salt is required for the seasoning?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of salt.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include mexican rice, saffron rice, red rice, side dish, and vegetarian.
Is this rice considered spicy?
Yes, it is tagged as spicy rice, though the spice comes primarily from chili powder and cumin.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The 2/3 cup of onion should be finely chopped before sautéing.