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Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo)
Mexican red rice, or arroz rojo, gets its color, flavor and aroma from tomatoes pureed with garlic and onion. The cooking liquid is commonly chicken broth, which adds savoriness and depth. Light, separate, almost airy grains define arroz rojo. This texture is achieved by rinsing long-grain white rice to remove excess starch, then toasting it in oil. We found it also is essential to cook the tomato puree on its own for a couple of minutes before adding the rice and broth. Doing so takes the raw, harsh edge off the aromatics and slightly concentrates the tomato flavor. Arroz rojo pairs well with just about any Mexican or Mexican-inspired dish, from carnitas to enchiladas to borracho beans.
4-6
Servings
Don’t shortcut the draining of the rice after rinsing. Allow the grains to stand in the strainer for about 10 minutes, and give them a few shakes to remove as much moisture as possible. This will prevent splattering when the rice is added to the oil. Reserve the mesh strainer after tipping the rice into the pan; you will need it again, to drain the rice after toasting. Make sure to set the strainer over a heatproof bowl for this step, as the oil that drains off is extremely hot.
1 hour
Ingredients
-
1½
cups long-grain white rice (see headnote), rinsed and well drained
-
1
ripe large tomato (about 8 ounces), cored and roughly chopped
Directions
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01Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cool water, stirring and tossing the grains, until the water runs clear. Shake the strainer to remove as much water as possible. Let drain, occasionally shaking the strainer, for 10 minutes.