American Test Kitchen Mexican Food

MEXICAN RICE(ATK)

Steps:

• Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 350 degrees. Process the tomatoes and onion in a food processor until smooth and thoroughly pureed, about 15 seconds, scraping down the bowl if necessary. Transfer the mixture to a liquid measuring cup; you should have 2 cups (if necessary, spoon off excess so that the volume equals 2 cups). Remove the ribs and seeds from 2 jalapenos and discard; mince the flesh and set aside. Mince the remaining jalapeno, including the ribs and seeds; set aside.
• Place the rice in a large fine-mesh strainer and rinse rice under cold running water until the water runs clear, about l 1/2 minutes. Shake the rice vigorously in the strainer to remove all excess water.
• Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed straight-sided 12-inch ovenproof saute pan or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Drop 3 or 4 grains of rice into the oil; if the grains sizzle, the oil is ready. Add the rice and fry, stirring frequently, until the rice is light golden and translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, add the garlic and seeded minced jalapenos, and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in the pureed tomato mixture, chicken broth, tomato paste, and salt. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Cover the pan and transfer to the oven. Bake until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, 30 to 35 minutes, stirring well after 15 minutes.
• Stir in the cilantro and reserved minced jalapeiio with seeds to taste. Serve immediately, passing the lime wedges separately.

AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN MEXICAN-STYLE SKILLET VERMICELLI WITH CHO

Steps:

• Toast the vermicelli with 1 tablespoon of the oil in a 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat until golden, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer the noodles to a paper-towel-lined plate and let cool.
• Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering.
• Add the onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and cumin and cook until fragrant, about 15 seconds.
• Stir in the tomatoes with their juice, the broth, chipotle, and chorizo sausage. Bring to a boil.
• Stir in the toasted pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Off the heat, sprinkle evenly with the Monterey Jack, cover, and allow the cheese to melt, about 3 minutes.
• Sprinkle with the cilantro.
• Serve, passing the sour cream separately.