Learn how to prepare delicious Red Rice, a flavorful dish with a reddish hue, made using achiote seeds (annatto). This simple recipe includes onions, garlic, and optional diced meat for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups red rice

- 1 tablespoon achiote (annatto) seeds

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 3 garlic cloves, minced

- 1/2 cup diced meat (chicken, pork, or beef), optional

- 4 cups water or chicken broth

- Salt to taste

- Cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Rinse the Red Rice:

  - Start by rinsing the red rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare Achiote Oil:

  - In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of cooking oil over low heat.

  - Add the achiote (annatto) seeds to the oil and let them infuse for about 5 minutes, until the oil takes on a reddish hue.

  - Remove the saucepan from heat and strain out the achiote seeds, leaving behind the colorful oil. Discard the seeds.

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:

  - In a large skillet or pot, heat a tablespoon of achiote oil over medium heat.

  - Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

4. Add Diced Meat (Optional):

  - If using diced meat, add it to the skillet and cook until it's browned on all sides.

5. Add Red Rice:

  - Add the rinsed red rice to the skillet and stir it well to coat it with the achiote oil and incorporate the flavors.

6. Add Water/Broth:

  - Pour in the water or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

7. Reduce Heat and Simmer:

  - Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the rice simmer. Cooking time can vary but usually takes around 20-25 minutes. Follow the package instructions for the specific red rice you're using.

8. Let It Rest:

  - After the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to become fluffy.

9. Fluff and Serve:

  - Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.

  - Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.

  - Serve the red rice as a flavorful and colorful side dish or a main course.

Nutrition Value

1. 2 cups red rice:

  - Calories: ~430 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~90g

  - Protein: ~9g

  - Fat: ~1g

  - Sodium: ~0mg (if unsalted)

2. 1 tablespoon achiote (annatto) seeds:

  - Calories: ~20 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~2g

  - Protein: ~0g

  - Fat: ~1.5g

  - Sodium: ~0mg

3. 1 onion, finely chopped:

  - Calories: ~44 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~10g

  - Protein: ~1g

  - Fat: ~0g

  - Sodium: ~2mg

4. 3 garlic cloves, minced:

  - Calories: ~13 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~3g

  - Protein: ~0.5g

  - Fat: ~0g

  - Sodium: ~1mg

5. 1/2 cup diced meat (chicken, pork, or beef), optional:

The nutritional values for this ingredient can vary significantly based on the type of meat and its preparation (cooked, raw, fat content, etc.). As a general reference, I'll provide the nutritional values for cooked lean chicken:

  - Calories: ~165 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~0g

  - Protein: ~31g

  - Fat: ~3.6g

  - Sodium: ~74mg

6. 4 cups water or chicken broth:

  - Calories: ~0 kcal (water)

  - Carbohydrates: ~0g

  - Protein: ~0g

  - Fat: ~0g

  - Sodium: ~0mg (if unsalted)

7. Salt to taste:

  The amount of salt added can vary widely depending on personal preference, so the sodium content will vary accordingly.

8. Cooking oil:

  The nutritional values for cooking oil can vary based on the type of oil used (olive oil, vegetable oil, etc.). As a general reference, I'll provide the nutritional values for olive oil:

  - Calories: ~120 kcal (per tablespoon)

  - Carbohydrates: ~0g

  - Protein: ~0g

  - Fat: ~14g

  - Sodium: ~0mg

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as portion sizes, specific brands, and variations in preparation methods. If you're looking for precise nutritional information, it's recommended to use a reliable nutritional calculator or consult a registered dietitian.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of Red Rice, a dish that showcases the richness of achiote seeds and the delicious combination of onions, garlic, and, if you like, diced meat. This easy recipe promises a satisfying meal that's sure to please your taste buds.