Xochitl’s Stove Top Rice

Rice is an art. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be inaccessibly difficult. We all have our preferences and I promise that if you try to make rice MY way, I will also try to make rice using a rice cooker. Yes. I failed at using a rice cooker for the first time. #TeamStoveTopRice

 

Xochitl’s Stove Top Rice

INGREDIENTS and SUPPLIES:

• 1 cup of long grain rice (I prefer Uncle Ben’s)
• 2 cups of chicken (or vegetable) stock
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tsp of butter
• Signature Spice Blend:
  – 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  – 1 tbsp kosher salt
  – 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  – 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  – 1/4 tsp paprika
  – 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  – 1/4 tsp Mexican oregano
  – 1/4 tsp saffron threads OR 1/2 tsp ground achiote/annatto seeds
  • My favorite saucepan from Ikea w/lid

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Soak and rinse rice.
 take a large bowl, pour the rice in, then pour lukewarm to medium hot water and give it a stir. I then dump the water and repeat 2-3 times. If I’m not satisfied with the clarity of the water and/or I’m pressed for time, then I use a fine mesh strainer and rinse the rice with hot water then pour the rice in a bowl with hot water, stir to check the clarity of the water. I drain the rice then put it in the saucepan.

 

2. Add cooking liquid

I tend to vary the amount of stock to fit my flavor needs. Regardless of the mixture percentages, you need 2 and 1/4 cups of liquid per 1 cup of rice. If you want to even split that with stock you can, but do add some water to the mix, otherwise you risk the stock evaporating too quickly and you get burnt rice. Eek!

 

3. Add spices and stir

I like to pour all the spices into a tiny bowl instead of adding them one at a time. It just feels like a better and more even approach. I used the ground annato seeds for this one. It will give the rice a lovely orange color.

 

4. Add the butter and bring to a boil…

I slice my butter so it’ll melt faster and disperse more evenly. I usually raise my stove dial to a 8 (out of 10) and stir continuously to quickly get a nice bubbly boil. Once boiling, put the lid on and drop the dial to a level 3 (medium-low) to let it simmer. Set a timer for 20 minutes. DO NOT OPEN THE LID.

 

5. Remove from heat and let stand for 3-5 minutes

 This is my favorite part!
Opening the lid to see the fun little pockets that let you know it is ready!
Go on, give it a stir and taste. Mmmmm…. fluffy and delicious.

 

Finishing Touches:

Serve it as its own side (try it with a little sour cream) or use it to plate a delicious pork tenderloin for dinner.

 

ENJOY!