What To Know
- Jamaican Spanish rice is a delicious and flavorful side dish that is commonly served with a variety of Jamaican dishes.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Jamaican Spanish rice can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Jamaican Spanish rice is a delicious and flavorful side dish that is commonly served with a variety of Jamaican dishes. It is a one-pot meal that is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make Jamaican Spanish rice, along with some helpful tips and tricks.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This will help remove any starch and impurities.
- Drain the rice and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot.
- Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the Seasonings:
- Stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the seasonings for 1-2 minutes, or until they are fragrant.
4. Add the Rice and Broth:
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the seasonings.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Stir in the Tomato Sauce and Herbs:
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, chopped cilantro, and parsley.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it immediately.
Tips and Tricks:
- For a more flavorful rice, use a combination of chicken broth and vegetable broth.
- Add a diced jalapeño pepper to the vegetables for a spicy kick.
- If you don’t have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes instead.
- You can also add other vegetables to the rice, such as corn, peas, or black beans.
- Serve the rice with your favorite Jamaican dishes, such as jerk chicken, curry goat, or ackee and saltfish.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Spanish Rice: Omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots.
- Seafood Spanish Rice: Add some cooked shrimp, lobster, or fish to the rice.
- Coconut Spanish Rice: Add a cup of coconut milk to the rice along with the chicken broth.
Answers to Your Questions
1. Can I make Jamaican Spanish rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Jamaican Spanish rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the rice in a microwave or on the stovetop.
2. What are some good side dishes to serve with Jamaican Spanish rice?
Jamaican Spanish rice can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
3. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice.
