Mexican Red Rice

Yields 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups long-grain rice
5 red, ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeds removed, and cut into medium dice
3 tablespoons tomato paste
4 garlic cloves
3 small, sweet peppers with seeds removed
1 medium red onion, small dice
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 ounce unsalted butter
Salt to taste
3½ cups of water, hot  


Directions:

1. Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot to medium hot. Add the oil and butter, mix. When butter melts, add the rice and sauté until golden.
2. Add the onions and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add tomatoes and tomato paste, stir, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
3. Smash the garlic and small sweet peppers until it becomes almost like a paste. Add to the rice and mix in well. Cook 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the hot water, add salt to taste, and let it cook at high heat, uncovered, until all the liquid is absorbed. Cover with aluminum foil and a lid for 10 minutes. Serve.

To learn more about me or my recipes, visit me at DenisseOller.com and at AARP, where I am a chef and nutrition expert.

Other recipes by Denisse:

The Mexican Tamale: A Delight for the Palate
Pastelón de Yuca y Pollo
Mango Pie
Venezuelan-style Chicken Pot Pie (Polvorosa de pollo)
Paella Mixta (Mixed Seafood Paella)
Cod in Tomato Sauce
Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche
Gazpacho
Flan de la Abuela (Grandma's Flan)
Shrimp Asopao with Pigeon Peas