Maria's Rice is a classic American dish that is known for its flavorful taste. This recipe combines rice with a variety of ingredients to create a mouthwatering dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With a combination of spices, vegetables, and proteins, Maria's Rice is a satisfying and filling dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of long-grain rice
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup of frozen corn
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced carrot to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the frozen corn, frozen peas, diced tomatoes, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Add the long-grain rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice with the vegetable mixture.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Interesting Facts
Rice is a staple food in many cultures around the world, including American cuisine. It is an important source of carbohydrates and provides energy.
Different types of rice have different textures and flavors. Long-grain rice, used in this recipe, is known for its light and fluffy texture.
Adding vegetables to the rice not only enhances the flavor but also adds nutritional value to the dish.
Maria's Rice can be served as a main course or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
Leftover Maria's Rice can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. It can also be used as a filling for stuffed peppers or burritos.
This recipe is customizable - you can add or substitute ingredients according to your taste. Some popular additions include diced chicken, shrimp, or beans.