Smoky New Mexico Spanish Rice Delight
This vibrant Smoky New Mexico Spanish Rice Delight captures the essence of southwestern cuisine right in your kitchen! Passed down from my mother, this dish is a showstopper that always disappears from the table! The addition of sweet red bell pepper not only enhances the flavor but also complements the smokiness of the green chilies beautifully. With the convenience of canned Rotel and other similar products, you can whip up this flavorful rice dish without the need to hunt down authentic green chiles. Perfect as a side or a main, this rice is sure to become a family favorite at any gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil
4 tablespoons (For frying)
Instant Rice
2 cups (Uncooked)
Red Bell Pepper
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Onion
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Water
4 1/2 cups (As needed)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Tomato Sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (As is)
Rotel Chopped Green Chili Peppers
1 (10 ounce) can (As is)
Instructions
1
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice, chopped red bell pepper, and chopped onion. Stir gently and cook until the mixture is golden brown, ensuring to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
2
Once the rice mixture is golden, carefully add 4 1/2 cups of water, the chopped garlic, tomato sauce, and the can of Rotel green chili peppers into the pot.
3
Increase the heat to bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally, making sure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
4
Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy the fiesta of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky New Mexico Spanish Rice Delight?
It is a vibrant southwestern-style rice dish featuring red bell peppers and green chilies, inspired by traditional New Mexico cuisine and passed down as a family recipe.
What gives this rice its smoky flavor?
The smokiness comes from the combination of Rotel green chili peppers and the process of browning the rice and vegetables in oil.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable oil, rice, vegetables, and water.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked instant rice.
How much vegetable oil is required?
You will need 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil for frying the rice and vegetables.
Can I use green bell peppers instead of red?
While the recipe specifies red bell pepper for its sweetness and color, you can substitute green bell pepper if preferred.
How much garlic is included in the dish?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic for a bold flavor profile.
What is the purpose of browning the rice?
Browning the uncooked rice with onions and peppers until golden enhances the nutty flavor and improves the texture of the final dish.
How much water do I need to add?
The recipe requires 4 1/2 cups of water to cook the 2 cups of instant rice along with the other ingredients.
What size can of tomato sauce should I use?
An 8-ounce can of tomato sauce is needed for this recipe.
Do I need to drain the Rotel green chili peppers?
No, you should add the 10-ounce can of Rotel green chili peppers as is to incorporate all the flavor and liquid.
How long does it take to cook the rice?
Once the liquid is simmering, the rice should cook for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Should the pot be covered while cooking?
Yes, cover the pot with a lid once the mixture reaches a boil and you have reduced the heat to medium-low.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers to ensure the rice doesn't stick to the heavy-bottomed pot.
What should I do once the rice has absorbed all the liquid?
Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Can I substitute water with another liquid?
Yes, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to add even more depth of flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level is mild to moderate depending on the variety of Rotel used, but the red bell pepper adds a nice sweet balance.
How much onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
What type of pot is recommended for this recipe?
A heavy-bottomed pot is recommended to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning during the browning and simmering stages.
How much red bell pepper should I chop?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped red bell pepper.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the garlic after the rice, onion, and bell pepper mixture has turned golden brown, along with the liquids.
Do I need to season the rice?
Yes, after cooking and fluffing, season the rice with salt and pepper to your personal taste.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Absolutely! While it works great as a side, its rich flavors and hearty texture allow it to be served as a main dish.
What is the preparation for the Rotel peppers?
They are used 'as is' from a 10-ounce can, so no extra preparation is needed.
What heat setting should I use for browning?
Use medium heat to brown the uncooked rice, pepper, and onion.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
Reduce the heat to medium-low once the liquid has reached a gentle boil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 primary ingredients: vegetable oil, instant rice, red bell pepper, onion, water, garlic, tomato sauce, and Rotel.
Can I use fresh green chiles?
The recipe suggests canned Rotel for convenience, but you can certainly use authentic roasted New Mexico green chiles if you have them.
Should the rice be cooked before starting?
No, start with 2 cups of uncooked instant rice; it cooks in the pot with the other ingredients.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, this dish was passed down from the creator's mother and is a staple at family gatherings.