Yellow Rice (Arroz Amarillo)

Yellow Rice (Arroz Amarillo)
Yellow Rice (Arroz Amarillo)
Sofrito, a sautéed vegetable mixture that typically contains garlic, onion, and bell pepper, is used as a seasoning in much of Latin America and the Caribbean. Here, it flavors yellow rice. The color comes from annatto seeds—which have an astringent, slightly peppery flavor—heated in oil until bright red-orange.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Makes 4 (side dish) servings
Central American/Caribbean Side Vegetarian Latin American Bell Pepper Vegan Cilantro Seed Simmer Boil Gourmet Sugar Conscious Kidney Friendly Pescatarian Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • Carbohydrate 72 g(24%)
  • Fat 15 g(23%)
  • Fiber 1 g(5%)
  • Protein 7 g(14%)
  • Saturated Fat 1 g(6%)
  • Sodium 12 mg(0%)
  • Calories 454

Preparation Heat annatto seeds and oil in a very small saucepan over low heat, swirling pan frequently, until oil turns bright red-orange and begins to simmer, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, discarding seeds. Cook onion, bell pepper, garlic, and cilantro in 1 1/2 tablespoons annatto oil in a 2-to 3-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until vegetables are softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, until most of grains are opaque, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in water and 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Stir rice again, then reduce heat to low and cook, covered, until rice is just tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork before serving. CooksÂ’' NoteYou can substitute 1/4 teaspoon saffron for the annatto. Use only 1 1/2 tablespoon oil and crumble saffron into oil just before using it. Leftover annatto oil keeps, refrigerated in an airtight container, up to 1 month.

Preparation Heat annatto seeds and oil in a very small saucepan over low heat, swirling pan frequently, until oil turns bright red-orange and begins to simmer, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, discarding seeds. Cook onion, bell pepper, garlic, and cilantro in 1 1/2 tablespoons annatto oil in a 2-to 3-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until vegetables are softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, until most of grains are opaque, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in water and 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Stir rice again, then reduce heat to low and cook, covered, until rice is just tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork before serving. CooksÂ’' NoteYou can substitute 1/4 teaspoon saffron for the annatto. Use only 1 1/2 tablespoon oil and crumble saffron into oil just before using it. Leftover annatto oil keeps, refrigerated in an airtight container, up to 1 month.