Best Easy Arroz Rojo para Fiesta Recipe

Mexican red rice cooked with tomato for celebrations is the essential fiesta side dish. This vegetarian, family-friendly, fresh dish is a healthy, traditional accompaniment to any main course.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 220 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • long grain white rice 1.5 cups
  • vegetable broth 2 cups
  • roma tomato 3 pieces
  • white onion 0.5 cups
  • frozen peas 0.5 cups
  • carrots 0.5 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
  • garlic cloves 2 cloves
  • salt 1 tsp
  • ground cumin 0.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 42 g 76%
Protein 4 g 7%
Fat 4 g 17%
Serving size 170g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rinse the rice in a sieve under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then let it drain well for a fluffy final texture.

  2. 2

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat; add the rice and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 6 minutes.

  3. 3

    Blend the roma tomatoes, onion, and garlic cloves to a smooth purée; pour this mixture over the toasted rice and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.

  4. 4

    Stir in the vegetable broth, salt, cumin, black pepper, carrots, and peas; bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce to low heat and cover tightly.

  5. 5

    Cook covered without stirring for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Once finished, turn off the heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Arroz Rojo para Fiesta recipe?
The core ingredient is long grain white rice, which forms the base, while roma tomatoes provide the signature red color and fresh flavor that define authentic Mexican red rice.
Q. What cooking technique is essential for perfect texture in this dish?
Toasting rinsed rice in hot vegetable oil until golden is crucial. This step prevents mushiness and ensures each grain cooks up fluffy and separate.
Q. How can I avoid soggy or undercooked rice in this recipe?
Be sure to use the correct ratio of broth to rice, keep the heat low after boiling, and avoid stirring during simmering. Resting the cooked rice, covered, for 10 minutes lets moisture redistribute for the perfect texture.
Q. How many calories and what is the macronutrient balance per serving?
Each serving is about 170 grams and contains 220 kcal: approximately 42g carbohydrates (76% of calories), 4g protein (7%), and 4g fat (17%), providing a light, balanced side dish.
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