Introduction To Cuban Yellow Rice
However far back you look in the history books, you will find that food is a large and important part of Cuban culture. With a huge variety of traditional dishes, every Cuban knows a favorite food to share in a crowded dining room. The recipe we are going to talk about today is one of the most popular and well-loved Cuban recipes: Cuban yellow rice.
What Makes Cuban Yellow Rice Special
If you have never tasted yellow rice Cuban style, you are in for a treat. The bright yellow color comes from the spices used in its preparation. The uplifting flavor is also unique to Cuban yellow rice. It comes from the combination of savoury, garlicky and smoky seasonings.
The Ingredients You will Need
To make a delicious bowl of Cuban yellow rice, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
• 2 cups of long-grain rice
– Preferably rice with a good amount of starchiness
• 4 cups of water or chicken stock
– Using chicken stock will add more flavor to your rice
• 1 tsp of turmeric
– This is the ingredient that will give the rice its bright yellow color
• 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper
– This will give the rice a little bit of heat without overwhelming it
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– Garlic is an essential part of Cuban cooking
• 1/2 cup of onion, finely chopped or grated
How To Prepare Cuban Yellow Rice
Making Cuban yellow rice is an easy process that will take you less than half an hour. To start, place the 2 cups of rice in a large bowl and soak them in plenty of cold water. Let the rice sit for about 2 hours to soften.
In the meantime, on a medium saucepan over high heat, add the chicken stock or water and bring it to a boil. Once the stock is boiling, add the turmeric and cayenne pepper. Stir it well and immediately reduce the heat to return the stock to a gentle simmer.
After the 2 hours, drain the rice and set it aside. In a large skillet, add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and some olive oil. Cook the garlic and onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until they are slightly golden brown.
Add the drained rice to the skillet and cook it for an additional 5 minutes. Stir the rice in the skillet constantly so it does not stick to the bottom.
Once the rice is lightly toasted, pour the simmering stock into the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is fluffy and fully cooked. Remove the rice from the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions For Cuban Yellow Rice
Yellow rice is a dish that can be paired with a large variety of Cuban dishes and it can also be eaten on its own. In Cuba, it is a common side dish for most meals, especially when accompanied with black beans and chicken. It can also be served as part of a larger spread with pork shoulder, stewed beef, shrimp and lobster, and yuca con mojo
Yellow rice can also be used to make some delicious arroz con pollo, a popular Cuban dish made with chicken, saffron, and various other ingredients.
In Conclusion
From its unique bright yellow color to its savory and lightly-spiced flavor, Cuban yellow rice is a dish that no Cuban meal is complete without. Preparing authentic Cuban yellow rice will be an exciting culinary adventure that may become a favorite in your household. Whether paired with a variety of Cuban dishes, or eaten on its own, we hope that you enjoy your delicious yellow meal.
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