Cooking Aztec Blend Rice: A Simple, Tasty Guide

Aztec blend rice is a combination of amaranth, Colusari red rice, long-grain brown rice, and yellow and green split peas. This rice blend is great for vegetarian dishes and can be purchased from InHarvest. To cook Aztec blend rice, you can follow a standard recipe for Mexican rice, which involves cooking long-grain rice in a tomato-based broth with onions, garlic, and spices.

Rinsing the rice

Additionally, rinsing the rice can also help to get rid of any unwanted odours or flavours that may be lingering on the surface. This step is especially important if you are using rice that has been stored for a long period of time or if it has been exposed to strong-smelling foods. By rinsing the rice, you can ensure that your dish will have a pure and clean flavour, without any unwanted tastes.

Finally, rinsing the rice is a simple step that can help to improve the overall texture and appearance of the dish. By removing the outer starch and any impurities, the rice will have a more uniform and fluffy texture, making it more appealing and enjoyable to eat.

Cooking the rice

First, rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This step is crucial to remove the outer starch, allowing the rice to cook up fluffy. Set the rice aside.

Next, heat some olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onions and jalapeño pepper and cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, turn up the heat to medium and add the tomato paste, garlic, and rice. Cook this mixture for about another 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is evenly coated with oil. You're essentially toasting the rice at this stage, which deepens its flavor.

Now, add the chicken broth, salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, which should take about 20 minutes.

Finally, add the peas, cilantro, and lime juice. Fluff the rice with a fork to combine, and let it sit for a few moments to "dry out" and lose that just-steamed texture. Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and lime if needed.

Your Aztec blend rice is now ready to be served!

Adding vegetables

Amaranth

Amaranth is a supergrain that contains seven of the eight essential amino acids. It is a great source of protein and has a nutty flavour. When cooked, it tends to be fluffy and light, making it a perfect addition to Aztec blend rice.

Colusari Red Rice

Also known as Indian harvest rice, Colusari red rice has a nutty flavour and a chewy texture. It adds a beautiful red colour to the blend and is a good source of antioxidants.

Long-Grain Brown Rice

Brown rice is a whole grain that provides more fibre, vitamins and minerals than white rice. It has a chewy texture and a nutty flavour, contributing a nice contrast to the other ingredients in the Aztec blend.

Split Peas

Yellow and green split peas are a great source of plant-based protein and add a pop of colour to the blend. They have a mild flavour and a soft texture when cooked, making them a perfect addition to the Aztec blend rice.

Onion, Garlic and Tomato

Onion and garlic are aromatic vegetables that provide depth of flavour and a hint of spice to the rice. They are commonly used as a base for many dishes, including Mexican rice. Tomato, in the form of fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce/paste, adds a concentrated tomato flavour and a rich orange colour to the blend.

Other Vegetables

You can also experiment with other vegetables such as carrots, peas, peppers (such as jalapeños or serrano peppers), and cilantro. These vegetables can add sweetness, spice, freshness and colour to the Aztec blend rice.

Adding spices

Choosing the Right Spices:

The spices you choose will depend on the flavour profile you want to achieve. For a traditional Mexican rice dish, commonly used spices include cumin and chilli powder. These spices add warm, smoky notes that are characteristic of Mexican cuisine. You can also add some fresh or dried herbs like cilantro, which brings a bright, fresh flavour to the dish.

Preparing the Spices:

Before adding the spices to your Aztec blend rice, it is important to prepare them properly. If you are using whole spices, such as cumin seeds, you may need to toast and grind them to release their flavours. You can use a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle for this step. If you are using ground spices, ensure they are well combined with the other ingredients to avoid any lumps.

Adding the Spices:

The timing of when you add the spices to your Aztec blend rice is crucial. Here are some tips:

• Add spices at the right stage of cooking: For the best results, add whole or ground spices at the beginning of the cooking process, after toasting the rice. This allows the spices to release their flavours and infuse the rice as it cooks.
• Combine with a fat: To enhance the flavour and absorption of the spices, add them to the hot oil or fat in your pan before adding the rice. This helps to bloom the spices and intensify their aromas.
• Adjust the amount: Start by adding a smaller amount of spices and taste-test as you cook. You can always add more spices, but it's difficult to tone them down once they're in.

Customising the Spices:

You can customise the spices used in your Aztec blend rice to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Heat level: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of chilli powder or add other spices like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chilli powder or omit it altogether.
• Personalised blend: Feel free to experiment with different spice combinations to create your unique blend. Try adding smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, or bay leaves for additional depth of flavour.

Remember, when adding spices to your Aztec blend rice, it is important to trust your instincts and taste preferences. You can always adjust the amounts or types of spices used to create a dish that suits your palate.

Cooking method

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1/4 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/4 medium onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce, or 2 pureed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons tomato bouillon granulated, or cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
• 1-3 whole Serrano peppers, optional

Method:

• Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Set aside.
• In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the rice and stir to combine. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly golden brown all over (about 10 minutes).
• Add the tomato sauce, garlic, and diced onion to the pan. Stir. Add the tomato bouillon, salt, carrots, peas, and water (and Serrano peppers, if using).
• Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 20 minutes or until the water is completely absorbed.
• Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
• Serve as a side dish with your favourite Mexican meal.

Tips:

• Washing the rice is crucial to removing the outer starch, allowing the rice to cook fluffily. If you'd like to use brown rice, increase the liquid by 1/2 cup and cook for 40 minutes, following the same resting instructions.
• To make the dish more authentic, blend 1-2 fresh tomatoes with the onion and garlic, and add them to the rice.
• Serrano peppers are optional. They will add a little extra flavour without making the dish spicy.

Frequently asked questions