Traditional Cuban Yellow Rice Recipes

CUBAN-STYLE YELLOW RICE

Steps:

• Place the rice in a sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Shake sieve to remove excess water from rice.
• Place rice in a large saucepan with a tightly fitting lid and add water. Stir in the onion, salt, annatto powder, paprika, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover pan, and simmer. After cooking for 10 minutes, gently stir the peas into the rice. Cook until all the water is evaporated and the rice is tender, 15 to 20 minutes longer. Serve garnished with pimento slices.

CUBAN YELLOW RICE

Steps:

• Place the saffron in the hot water, allow to steep for 20 minutes, the water will turn a deep yellow color.
• After 20 minutes, pour the liquid through a fine mesh sieve (or coffee filter), discard the strands, reserve the liquid.
• Heat a large sauté pan (one that has a lid, otherwise use a large saucepan) over medium heat, add the olive oil, roll to cover the pan, then add the onion.
• Sauté the onion until it begins to turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes, add the salt and the rice.
• Stirring constantly, cook the rice for several minutes until it begins to slightly brown.
• Mix in the cumin, paprika, and oregano until they bloom and become fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth and saffron liquid, mix well, and bring to a boil.
• Boil for 2-3 minutes while stirring, reduce heat to low and continue to cook uncovered until the rice begins to absorb some of the water.
• Cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
• Stir in the peas, cover and continue to cook for 5 additional minutes or until the water has been completely absorbed.
• Add the butter and using a fork, fluff the rice while mixing the butter in.
• Serve and enjoy.

TRADITIONAL CUBAN YELLOW RICE

Steps:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
• Add rice to the butter.
• Stir the rice until it begins to turn light brown.
• Add garlic, onion powder and turmeric.
• Continue to stir until well combined.
• Add chicken broth to the rice.
• Turn heat to medium-high and season with salt.
• Bring rice to a boil.
• Once boiling, turn heat down to low.
• Cover with a lid.
• Cook for 25 minutes.
• Remove from heat and add cilantro.

CUBAN BLACK BEANS AND RICE

Steps:

• In a large stockpot cover beans with water and boil for 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let stand for one hour.
• Drain water and cover with fresh water (6 cups).
• In a skillet saute the onions, bell pepper and garlic in oil for 5 minutes, until tender.
• Add onion mixture and all remaining ingredients, except the red wine vinegar, to the beans and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to simmer covered for 2 hours, until beans are tender.
• Add more water if necessary.
• At the last minute add the red wine vinegar, just before serving.
• Serve with 2 cups of cooked rice.
• Top with chopped green onions, chopped hard boiled eggs or sour cream.

CUBAN CHICKEN WITH YELLOW RICE

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large deep skillet over med-high heat. Add chicken and brown on both sides until golden and almost done. Remove to a plate, sprinkle with salt and pepper and keep warm.
• Pour water into skillet and add garlic. Bring to a boil and add rice and stir. Add chicken back to pan on top of rice and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat. Cook until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
• Spoon peas and roasted red pepper over top. Cover again and cook 3-5 more minutes.