Dominican White Rice Food

SIMPLE WHITE RICE (ARROZ BLANCO)

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Rinse the rice well in a colander.
• Bring the water to boil in a saucepan. Add the rice and the salt.
• Allow the rice to boil for about 1 minute. Stir at least once to prevent sticking, but don't overdo it.
• Cover the saucepan with an appropriate tight-fitting lid that does not have an exhaust hole.
• Reduce the heat to low and allow the rice to simmer for about 30 minutes.
• Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

DOMINICAN RAINBOW RICE

Steps:

• Cut the vegetables into very small cubes.
• Sauté all the ingredients (except for the rice) using the butter until the onions are semi-transparent. Add salt to taste.
• Finally add the rice and combine all the ingredients. Fluff the rice using a fork. Dish up hot.

DOMINICAN STYLE RICE AND BEANS

Steps:

• Presoak beans overnight or for a minimum of 3 hours in a large container with enough water to generously cover. Drain water, transfer beans to a large stockpot, and cover with 5 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, add the ham or bacon pieces, partially cover, and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add 1 cup of water and continue cooking for 30 to 35 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make a sofrito: In a food processor or blender, combine garlic, bell pepper, cilantro, and half of the onion and process to a coarse paste.
• In a small skillet, heat the oil. Add the sofrito mixture, and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste, salt, black pepper, tomato, vinegar, and remaining onion to the beans and cook for 5 minutes. Add the rice and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes. Use a large spoon to separate the rice and bean mixture from the sides of the pot (do not stir any further or the mixture will break up and take on a gluey consistency). The dish is done when the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is fluffy.