Spanish Rice

Spanish Rice

Spanish food is quite different from that of many other European countries in that it makes heavy use of rice; a staple that is more commonly associated with Asian countries. In order to understand exactly why the Spanish use rice so much in their cuisine it is beneficial to recount the history of Spanish rice. Spain was ruled by the Moors, who in turn were heavily influenced by the cuisine and culture of Muslim Arabs form the Middle East. It is widely believed that it was the Moors who laid the foundation stone in the history of Spanish rice by introducing it to the local population. By the time the Moors were expelled from Spain more than 700 years after they first arrived, rice had already developed a long established history among the Spanish people who were not prepared to abandon it.

The fact that rice came to the Spanish from the Moors is supported with linguistic evidence. The Spanish word for rice is ‘arroz’ which seems to come directly from the Arabic word for rice which is ‘al- ruzz’.

Spanish Rice Today

Today the term Spanish rice is often used to denote a specific dish that is served as a side dish made from white rice, tomatoes, garlic, onions, parsley, cilantro as well as a few other ingredients. One common cooking method for Spanish rice is to saute the rice until golden brown and cook it in chicken broth. Vegetables including carrots and peas or corn may also be used depending on the recipe.

Spanish rice is a popular dish in the Southwest of the United States, where it often features liberal portions of grilled and stewed vegetables. The version of Spanish rice cooked throughout South America tends to be more standardized, often with just enough tomato and chili to provide the characteristic reddish orange color and a smoky, garlic and onion taste. It is frequently served as a side dish alongside other Venezuelan and other South American Cuisine. The source of this article is from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup minced onion
  • 1 tbsp garlic
  • 1/2 cup chunky salsa
  • 1 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup rice
  • 1/2 cup frozen sweet peas (optional)

Instructions

  1. Put 2 tbsp olive oil in the pot, then add the minced onion and garlic. Keep stirring till translucent. Then add the rice to the onion garlic mixture. Keep stirring do not burn the rice, when the rice gets light brown add the chicken broth and salsa. This is the basic version, if you like add 1/2 cup frozen peas. Put the lid on it and simmer for 20 minutes.

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Spanish Rice
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Side Dish
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup minced onion
  • 1 tbsp garlic
  • ½ cup chunky salsa
  • 1 cups chicken broth
  • ¾ cup rice
  • ½ cup frozen sweet peas (optional)
Instructions
  1. Put 2 tbsp olive oil in the pot, then add the minced onion and garlic. Keep stirring till translucent. Then add the rice to the onion garlic mixture. Keep stirring do not burn the rice, when the rice gets light brown add the chicken broth and salsa. This is the basic version, if you like add ½ cup frozen peas. Put the lid on it and simmer for 20 minutes.



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