Panamanian Celery Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain white rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain white rice
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and paprika to the saucepan. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional minute.
4. 4.
   Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat it with the onion and celery mixture.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
7. 7.
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
8. 8.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Celery — Make sure to use fresh and crisp celery stalks for the best flavor. Remove any tough strings from the celery before chopping.
• Vegetable broth — If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sauté the rice in the olive oil before adding the onion and celery.
• If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of garlic and spices used.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Leftover Panamanian Celery Rice can be transformed into a delicious fried rice by adding some vegetables and soy sauce.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the dish according to your taste preferences.

Serving advice

Panamanian Celery Rice can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables. It pairs well with a fresh salad or a tangy salsa for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Panamanian Celery Rice, garnish it with a sprig of fresh cilantro and serve it in a colorful dish. The vibrant green color of the celery rice will stand out and add visual appeal to your table.