Cherry Almond Rice Mexicana Recipes

HUARACHE A LA MEXICANA

Steps:

• Combine the masa harina, all-purpose flour and water in a large bowl and stir until a smooth dough forms. Knead in the bowl until very smooth but not sticky, about 2 minutes.
• Form the dough into 12 equal portions and push a small hole into each. Insert 1 tablespoon of Refried Beans into each of the holes and seal to cover the filling. Roll into 12-inch oblong shapes.
• For each huarache: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a huarache and cook until blackened in spots, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side for another 3 minutes; remove from the skillet. Spread 8 ounces of cheese onto the skillet and immediately place the huarache on top of the cheese, lightly pressing down. Flip the huarache (the cheese should stick) and then remove to a plate.
• Mix together the cumin, ground garlic, black pepper, bitter orange juice seasoning and some all-purpose seasoning in a bowl. Transfer to a salt shaker.
• Return the skillet to high heat and add 2 tablespoons oil. Season 8 ounces of sliced steak with the spice mixture and add to the skillet. Cook, turning once, until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Place on top of the huarache.
• Place a cactus paddle on a cutting board and make shallow incisions into it, stopping just before the core so the paddle remains whole. Heat a tablespoon of oil in the skillet and add the cactus paddle and a jalapeno; cook for about 5 minutes, flipping several times.
• Meanwhile, deep-fry 2 or 3 onions until tender in the center, about 3 minutes.
• Serve the huarache topped with the cactus paddle, with the jalapeno and onions on the side.
• In a large stockpot, add the beans, 12 ounces of the oil, the whole 1/2 onion, salt and 2 gallons water. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 2 hours. Once cooked, strain to keep only the beans.
• Add the remaining 6 ounces oil to a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is warm, add the diced onions and then the beans. Begin to mash with a potato masher, adding the bouillon as you go and mixing it around evenly. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 15 minutes, until the moisture is evaporated and the beans are your desired thickness.

SPINACH-ALMOND RICE

Steps:

• Bring 3 cups salted water to a simmer; add 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, cover and cook over low heat until tender, about 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then let cool. Toss with 4 cups baby spinach, 1/2 cup each chopped marinated artichoke hearts and toasted slivered almonds, 1 cup chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, the juice of 2 lemons and 1/3 cup olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

ARROZ A LA MEXICANA

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the dry, unwashed rice, tossing or stirring constantly, until toasted and very brown and nutty, about 8 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a heatproof bowl.
• Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the schmaltz, garlic, carrots, onions and 5 teaspoons salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and just beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the skillet, until fragrant and brick red colored, about 1 minute. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Stir in the rice, top with the peas and chile, reduce the heat to low, cover and cook undisturbed for 20 minutes. Check to see if all the liquid has been absorbed; if not, continue to cook and check again after 10 more minutes. Once the liquid has been absorbed, remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes before serving.