Arroz con Maiz - Latin American Style Corn Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain white rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain white rice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup (150g) frozen corn kernels 1 cup (150g) frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup (150g) mixed bell peppers, diced (red, yellow, green) 1 cup (150g) mixed bell peppers, diced (red, yellow, green)
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground cumin and paprika, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the spices.
5. 5.
   Add the frozen corn kernels and diced bell peppers to the pot, and mix well.
6. 6.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
8. 8.
   Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9. 9.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Corn — If fresh corn is available, you can use it instead of frozen corn for a more vibrant flavor. Simply boil the corn until tender, then cut the kernels off the cob and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Tips & Tricks

• For added richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
• Customize the dish by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables of your choice.
• To make the rice more fragrant, toast it in the pot for a few minutes before adding the spices.
• Leftover Arroz con Maiz can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water while reheating to restore moisture.

Serving advice

Arroz con Maiz can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a main course with added protein. It pairs well with a fresh green salad and a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing contrast.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, garnish the Arroz con Maiz with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and serve it in a colorful serving dish. The vibrant colors of the corn and bell peppers will make the dish visually appealing.