Puerto Rican Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon sofrito
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
Instructions
- Rinse rice until water runs clear
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper
- Cook until vegetables are softened
- Add tomato sauce and sofrito
- Stir in rice and cook for 2 minutes
- Add water, salt, black pepper, and cumin
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes until rice is tender
- Fluff rice with a fork
- Garnish with cilantro and olives
- Serve hot
Special Notes
This traditional Puerto Rican rice is a staple side dish. The sofrito adds authentic flavor while the tomato sauce gives it color. The key is to not stir the rice while it's cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. This rice pairs perfectly with beans, meat, or seafood. For extra flavor, you can add achiote oil or sazón seasoning. The rice should be fluffy and separate when done.