NEWS

We are convinced that anyone in the world is able to guess the common denominator referring to the following series of words: America, sea, pyramids, tourism, holidays.

Do you know the answer? We are talking about Mexico, a destination for trips that combine relaxation and culture, particularly if we look at the Riviera Maya that joins the blue waters of the Caribbean with the gigantic archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian ruins.

However, our list of keywords lacks an essential element: gastronomy.

A rich culinary tradition

When it comes to eating, Mexicans usually say barriga llena, corazón contento, which translates to “full belly, happy heart”, and says a lot about how much care and love Mexicans put on their food.

Rich in spices, on the border between indigenous and Spanish tradition and characterized by strong and marked aroma, Mexican cuisine is one of the most varied and appreciated in the world. Everything in Mexico “speaks” of chili, tortillas, corn, beer, tequila, and beans.

The intense, typical smell, always ready to awaken the appetite, comes from almost every household, from the restaurants, the huge markets, always rich in specialties and unique dishes. You don’t have to worry about the place, Mexicans do know how to enjoy delightful traditional dishes anywhere, anytime.

The basic ingredients of local cuisine, including those which came from Spain, have become an integral part of everyone’s diet. Foods like beans, corn, pumpkin, pepper, avocados, even chocolate, amaranth and chia have been mastered in this country.

Origins of Mexican cuisine

Mexican cuisine is the result of a crossbreeding of cultures and you can appreciate the vision that Mexicans have of the world in it.

We owe the credit to the ancient civilizations that have prospered over the millennia, since their origins go back 10,000 years ago when corn was first cultivated to become the food base of the Mesoamerican peoples.

By that time, vegetables, corn and chili were part of the main diet for the people living in the region. Nevertheless, several ingredients of equal significance were added, such as avocado, tomato, pumpkin, chocolate and even vanilla.

After the discovery of America, Spanish settlers brought from Europe many new components to Mexican cuisine, from different types of meats to vegetables unknown to locals. And among all those new ingredients, one of the stars is undoubtedly rice, which is now proudly considered Mexican.

Rice as a part of Mexican culture

Rice has been and continues to be a staple in the diet of the Mexicans, it has become so important within the culture and traditions of this country that there are many typical dishes that are prepared with this food everyday.

The properties, health benefits, and versatility that characterize rice are just some of the many reasons that have made this element part of Mexican gastronomy.

Just as there are many varieties of rice around the world, there are also in Mexico, and each of them has been used to create different dishes with different flavors, ingredients, preparations, and nuances.

Next, you’ll see the recipe for the most typical and traditional dish made with rice mahatmarice.com/recipes/traditional-mexican-rice/ from the Mexican culture. So it’s an invitation to surprise your beloved ones with this delicious dish.

Traditional Mexican Rice with jalapeños

Ingredients:

• 2 tomatoes, cut into 4 pieces.
• 1 small onion, cut into large pieces.
• 1 jalapeño pepper.
• 2 tablespoons of oil.
• 2 cloves of garlic.
• 1 1/2 cup white rice.
• 1 1/2 cup chicken broth (you can also use warm water).
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
• Salt to taste.
• Chopped cilantro to decorate.

Preparation:

1. Put onions and tomatoes in a blender. They must be ground completely.
2. Remove the seeds from the jalapeno and cut them into small squares.
3. Then heat a pot with the two tablespoons of oil for a minute. Add the rice and let it cook for a while, stirring it to avoid sticking. When the rice takes another color, taste if it’s ready, this takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Then add the finely chopped garlic cloves, the jalapeno, stir for about a minute. Add the tomato and onion mixture, the chicken broth or water, as well as the tablespoon of tomato paste. Finally, add the salt to taste.
5. Cover the pot and cook over medium-low heat for 25 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. Make sure the rice doesn’t overcook.
6. Once ready, serve with chopped fresh cilantro on top, and enjoy.

In every corner of the world, you can find international restaurants offering the most popular dishes from global cuisine. These food establishments usually have in their menu the most recognizable international meals. So, you can try at least one typical meal from, say Italy, Greece, Japan or Spain right in the same place.

However, if you want to taste specific international dishes, the best choice is to visit a specialty restaurant. These restaurants are frequently family-owned and specialize in traditional food from their countries.

In these places, you will discover a vast range of traditional meals that you would probably never tasted before.

For example, when you refer to Spanish cuisine, maybe you always remember any delicious Paella you have enjoyed and believe this is the only way Spanish people eat rice. But you are wrong.

Rice is also a staple food in Spain, and the dishes prepared with this versatile grain are endless. So, get ready to know different and delicious rice dishes branded in Spain.

Spanish rice specialties

Spanish cuisine’s basic ingredients are olive oil and garlic. Almost all dishes include these two components paired with vegetables, sausages, meats, seafood, pork, eggs, legumes, and strong herbs.

Apart from Paella, they create mouthwatering dishes like brave potatoes, gazpacho, fideua, pisto, tapas, Spanish tortillas, and so much more.

As for rice, Spanish cuisine expresses its native flavor in meals such as chicken and rice, oven-baked rice, rice and beans, Arròs a Banda, Arròs Negre, and others. They can be eaten as a complete dish or an accompaniment for beef, lamb or poultry.

• Chicken and rice: This is a well-known dish, and maybe you have a Spanish chicken and rice recipe. This is a quick and easy dish. It consists of a one-pot meal with chicken thighs, red peppers, onions, and peas.
• Oven-baked rice: It is fluffy and tender rice full of onions, garlic, and some kind of meat. Some versions include peas, vegetables, or mushrooms.
• Rice and beans: It is a nutritive and delightful one-pot meal. It varies from region to region because people use different types of rice and beans.
• Arròs a Banda: It is flavored rice cooked with fish broth and seafood.
• Arròs Negre: A tasteful rice colored with squid ink.

Cooking Spanish rice

As you can see, Spanish cuisine is much more than Paella. If you are trying to get familiar with other Spanish meals, enjoy cooking various rice recipes.

Start with these Spanish chicken and rice recipes and be surprised with all newly discovered Spanish flavors.

Spanish rice and chicken (4 servings)

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs.
• 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
• 1 cup of white rice.
• 2 ¼ cups of chicken broth.
• 1 lemon juice.
• Chopped cilantro to taste.

For making a Spanish seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon of coriander.
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
• 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika.
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
• 1 teaspoon of salt.
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder.

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Spanish seasoning, mix in bowl coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and chili powder. Reserve.
2. In a bowl, place chicken thighs, and season with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and half of the Spanish seasoning. Make sure the seasoning covers the entire chicken.
3. In a saucepan, add vegetable oil and cook chicken until it is browned on both sides.
4. Incorporate rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and the remaining Spanish seasoning. Stir very well.
5. Put a lid on the saucepan, and cook until the broth is absorbed completely.
6. Serve with lemon slices and cilantro.

Baked chicken, chorizo, and rice (4 servings)

Ingredients:

• 8 small skinless chicken thighs
• 1 1/3 cups of white medium-grain rice.
• 1 chopped onion.
• 1 diced red capsicum.
• 1 sliced chorizo.
• 25 grams of butter.
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
• 2 crushed garlic cloves.
• 1 tablespoon of paprika.
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes.
• 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth.
• 1/2 cup of lemon juice.
• 1 cup of frozen peas.
• Salt to taste.
• Chopped parsley leaves to serve.
• Lemon slices to serve.

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven at 200 °C.
2. In a baking tray, add onion, capsicum, and chorizo. Try to distribute them evenly in the tray.
3. Drizzle butter and olive oil all over them, and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Then, take out the baking tray and incorporate garlic, paprika, and chicken. Bake again for 10 minutes.
5. Now incorporate rice, tomatoes, broth, lemon juice, and salt. Stir very well. Cook for 30 minutes, until chicken is browned.
6. Incorporate peas and bake for 5 more minutes.
7. Serve with parsley and lemon slices on the top.