Making yellow rice, also known as arroz amarillo in Spanish, is a flavorful and vibrant side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses, particularly in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines. Here's a simple recipe to make yellow rice:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch from the rice, resulting in fluffier cooked rice.
2. Saute Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Spices: Add the ground turmeric, ground cumin, and ground paprika to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir to combine, allowing the spices to toast in the oil for about 1 minute. This helps release their flavors and aromas.
4. Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet with the sautéed onion, garlic, and spices. Stir well to coat the rice evenly with the seasoned oil. Cook the rice, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes. This toasting step adds extra flavor to the rice.
5. Add Liquid: Pour the chicken broth or water into the skillet with the seasoned rice. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Season and Simmer: Season the rice with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
7. Fluff and Serve: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Let the rice sit, covered, for a few minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired.
8. Serve: Serve the yellow rice hot as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite main courses, such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or stewed beans.