How to make Latin style white rice

For us Dominicans, white rice is like the corn tortillas for Mexicans; We eat it almost everyday. We eat white rice with pollo guisado (Stewed Chicken), we eat it beef, beans and even pasta! Yes, you heard it right, Pasta.–To be more specific, spaghetti guisado (spaghetti in tomato sauce).

For Latinos in general, rice is considered an staple food– is part of our culture. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, goes well with everything and it can feed a crowd.

Today I want to show you, how to make white rice the Latino way (Dominican or Puerto Rican) which is very different from the way other cultures prepares it. Our rice is cooked with less water, we add salt, a little bit of oil, and we use the long grain rice.

Before We start: If you are going to measure uncooked rice ( or any other dry good) you must keep in mind that there are two types of measuring cups; One for dry goods and one for liquids. The ratio is one cup of uncooked rice per one cup of water. If you prefer the rice less dry you can add more water.

Also, we use a Caldero with a lid, kind of like a cast iron skillet, but if you don’t have one you can use a rice pot.

Follow these steps when making the rice:

Recipe for 4 people:

• 2 cups of uncooked long grain rice.
• 2 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt

1-On high heat, boil 2 cups of water in a Caldero or rice pot.

2-Add to the boiling water about 1 teaspoon of salt.

3-Rinse the uncooked rice with plenty of cold water and drain.

4-Add the clean rice to the boiling water plus 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil, stir and cover tightly with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 15 minutes.

5-After 15 minutes ( Most of the water should have been absorbed by the rice) uncover the rice, Stir and cover again. Cook for another 10 minutes on low heat.  After this, the rice should be firm but tender to the bite.

6-Serve with meat and beans. Don’t forget the Salad!

Delicious and easy white rice!

How do you prepare your rice? Share!

XO,

Johanny