Mexican rice, sometimes referred to as Spanish rice or arroz rojo, is a popular side dish in Mexican cuisine. It’s made by simmering rice with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices to create a flavorful red rice. But what do Mexicans actually call this dish in their native language?
Quick Answer
The most common names for Mexican rice in Mexico are:
– Arroz rojo – Literally meaning “red rice” in Spanish, this name refers to the reddish color of the tomato-based rice.
– Arroz a la mexicana – Translated as “rice the Mexican way”, this name specifies the Mexican style preparation.
– Arroz con tomate – Meaning “rice with tomato”, this describes one of the main ingredients.
– Arroz entomatado – Another term meaning “tomatoed rice” or “rice with tomato sauce”.
So in summary, Mexicans typically use descriptive Spanish names like arroz rojo, arroz a la mexicana, arroz con tomate, or arroz entomatado when referring to the tomato-flavored rice dish known in English as Mexican rice. The names all highlight the red color or tomato-based sauce as distinctive characteristics.
Origin and History
Rice was first introduced to Mexico by the Spanish during the colonial era. Over time, Mexicans began adapting Old World ingredients like rice to their own tastes and cooking styles, resulting in signature dishes like arroz rojo.
The dish has roots in Spain’s paella valenciana, mixed with native Mexican flavors and ingredients like tomatoes, chilies, garlic, and onions. It gained popularity as a cheap, filling, and brightly colored side to serve with beans, meat, and other entrees.
With Mexicans migrating to various parts of the United States, Mexican rice became a staple of Tex-Mex and other American regional cuisines. The English name “Mexican rice” emerged in the US to distinguish the spicy, tomato-infused version from plain white rice.
In Mexico itself, arroz rojo is found throughout the country but is especially prevalent in home cooking. Each family has their own unique recipe passed down through generations, adapting the dish to local ingredients. The specific names used can also vary by region, family traditions, or individual preference.
Common Ingredients
While recipes can differ, Mexican rice is generally made with a similar base of ingredients:
– Long grain white rice: Usually jasmine or basmati. The grain helps the rice hold its shape and absorb flavors.
– Tomatoes: Either fresh or canned diced tomatoes add color, texture, and sweetness. Tomato sauce or puree may also be used.
– Onions and garlic: Aromatic base vegetables to saute before adding rice.
– Vegetable oil: For sauteing the aromatics. Canola, vegetable, corn, or olive oil work well.
– Chicken or vegetable broth: Provides moisture and flavoring for the rice.
– Spices: Chili powder, cumin, oregano, cilantro, and black pepper are commonly used.
– Salt: For seasoning.
– Garnishes: Sliced avocado, lime wedges, cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese.
By adjusting the proportions of tomatoes, broth, and spices, cooks can make the rice more soupy, dry, mild, or spicy based on preference.
Traditional Cooking Method
Mexican rice is relatively simple to prepare using a basic simmer and absorb cooking technique:
1. Saute aromatic veggies: Onions and garlic are cooked until softened in oil.
2. Toast uncooked rice: Dry, raw rice grains are stirred in the saute pan to lightly toast and coat with oil, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add tomato product and broth: Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes go in along with chicken or veggie broth.
4. Simmer: Everything simmers together with seasonings until liquid is absorbed into the rice.
5. Remove from heat: Once rice is tender and liquid absorbed, it’s ready to serve.
6. Rest: Letting the rice rest 5-10 minutes allows flavors to further develop.
7. Fluff with fork: Gently fluff with a fork before serving.
The method infuses the rice grains with flavor from sauteed veggies, tomatoes, and spices. Balancing the ratio of liquid to rice is key for the perfect tender yet still firm texture.
Traditional Cooking Vessel
In Mexico, arroz rojo is traditionally prepared in:
– A cazuela: An earthenware casserole dish common in Latin American cooking. The clay evenly distributes heat to cook the rice.
– A salsa quemada: Literally “burnt sauce”, this is a seasoned, well-worn clay pot specifically for making rice and stews.
– A comal: A flat griddle also used for making tortillas. Rice is spread out and cooked on the hot surface.
– A sarten: A simple skillet or sauté pan that works just as well. Any heavy pan prevents scorching.
While specialty cazuelas or comals are harder to find outside of Mexico, a basic skillet or saute pan can be easily used to make delicious arroz rojo at home. Just adjust the heat as needed to prevent sticking or burning.
Ingredients Variations by Region
Mexican rice recipes vary across different regions of Mexico based on local cuisine styles, available ingredients, and family traditions. Some examples include:
– Northern Mexico: Tend to use more meat broth and diced carrots. Can finish with cream or milk for a richer rice.
– Southern Mexico: Favor pureed tomatoes and red bell peppers for extra sweetness.
– Coastal regions: Utilize more seafood broth. Stir in chopped shrimp or clams near the end.
– Central Mexico: Rely on guajillo chilies, plantains, and poblano peppers for depth of flavor.
– Yucatan: Add achiote paste for reddish hue and annatto earthiness. Include raisins or peas.
– Oaxaca: Use chili pasilla negro sauce and epazote herb for authentic seasoning.
No matter the preparation details, the rice is united by its iconic tomato-tinted color and tender, flavorful grains.
Serving Suggestions
Arroz rojo is highly versatile, pairing well with all different kinds of Mexican foods. Here are some popular serving suggestions:
– As a side to enchiladas, tacos, burritos, tamales, chilaquiles, or any main dish
– Stirred into soups or stews as a starch thickener
– Stuffed into peppers, tomatoes, zucchini or squash along with cheese
– Topped with fried eggs for a hearty rice breakfast
– Inside burritos or chilaquiles for extra flavor and texture
– Under classic Mexican proteins like carne asada, carnitas, fish, shrimp, chicken
– Alongside refried or charro beans as a complete protein meal
– Topped with cheese, salsa, avocado, cilantro, green onion for a rice bowl
– Made into arroz con leche for dessert by cooking with milk, sugar, cinnamon
Thanks to its versatility, Mexicans enjoy arroz rojo on an almost daily basis as an inexpensive but important source of nourishment.
Everyday vs. Celebratory Use
In Mexican cooking, arroz rojo serves both simple family meals and special occasions:
– Daily home cooking: The rice is an affordable, filling side to basic protein and beans. Easy to make in bulk.
– Family gatherings: Rice made with extra care, perhaps in a clay cazuela, to feed a crowd.
– Holidays: An essential component of festive dishes like molé poblano for Christmas or rosca de reyes bread.
– Weddings: Elaborate rice dishes like arroz con mariscos or seafood paella are impressive fare.
– Parties: Creative stuffed peppers, tomatoes, or squash make great appetizers.
– Street food: Arroz rojo fills tacos, huraches, sopes, and other antojitos.
– Restaurants: Elevated versions incorporate luxurious ingredients like lobster or duck.
The same humble base of tomato-tinted rice can be a blank canvas for everyday nourishment or celebrations of life.
Cultural Significance
Beyond nutrition, arroz rojo holds deeper meaning in Mexican culture:
– Hospitality: Serving a proper plate of rice shows respect for guests.
– Generosity: Feeding others and sharing food is an expression of love.
– Togetherness: Making and eating a communal pot of rice unites families.
– Resourcefulness: Transforming basic ingredients into sustenance is admirable.
– Work ethic: The time and care to prepare rice by hand is worth respecting.
– Tradition: Passing down ancestral recipes preserves history.
– Identity: Unique food customs define regional and national identities.
For Mexicans, arroz rojo is more than just flavored grains. The dish represents cherished values of hospitality, family, tradition, and resourcefulness.
Popularity in America
As Mexican food has proliferated across America, arroz rojo has become a mainstream side dish. Its popularity stems from:
– Familiarity: White rice is a common base. Tomato and spice flavors have wide appeal.
– Versatility: It complements proteins like beef, chicken, shrimp and vegetable dishes.
– Nutrition: Rice provides carbohydrates. Tomatoes offer lycopene and vitamins. Spices add antioxidants.
– Affordability: Rice and tomatoes are budget-friendly pantry staples.
– Customization: Cooks can adjust spices and add-ins to preference.
– Restaurants: Mexican chains like Chipotle include tomatoey cilantro lime rice on menus.
– Home cooking: Easy to make in a rice cooker or instant pot using grocery store ingredients.
– Kid friendliness: Mild spice level appeals to many children’s palates.
For American families seeking to expand their dinner repertoires, Mexican rice is an easy, nutritious, and satisfying option. The recipe pleases people of all ages and dietary needs.
Classic vs. Texas-Style
There are some variations between classic Mexican arroz rojo and Texas-style Mexican rice:
Classic Mexican Rice | Texas-Style Mexican Rice
————————|—————————
Made with fresh tomatoes | Uses tomato sauce or paste
Leaves some tomato pieces visible | Cooks until tomato is very smooth
Sauteed veggies include onions, garlic, pepper | Onion is primary sauteed veggie
Spicing based on chili powders and cumin | Spicing from cumin, oregano, chili powder
Vegetable or chicken broth | Beef or chicken broth
Garnishes with avocado, cotija cheese, lime | Garnishes with sliced jalapeños, cheddar
Prepared on stove top | Often made in rice cooker
More al dente texture | Softer, more tender grains
So in summary, Texas-style tends to use smooth, tomato-y sauce versus chunks, have Tex-Mex seasonings, include beef broth, and cook until very soft. But the core concept of tomato rice remains.
Don’t Confuse with Paella
While Mexican rice and Spanish paella share some genetic roots, they diverge in a few ways:
– Rice: Mexican uses long grain white. Paella favors short grain varieties like Calasparra.
– Color: Mexican rice is tomato-tinted red. Paella remains golden yellow.
– Beans: Arroz rojo is often served with beans. Paella never includes beans.
– Meat: Mexican rice has small bits of protein. Paella features large chunks or whole pieces.
– Seafood: Paella highlights shellfish like mussels, clams, shrimp. Mexican rice usuallly doesn’t.
– Herbs: Paella uses parsley and rosemary. Mexican favors cilantro.
– Vegetables: Paella contains lima beans, peas, artichokes. Mexican rice opts for corn, peppers.
– Texture: Paella rice develops a toasted, socarrat bottom crust. Mexican rice remains soft.
– Presentation: Paella is an impressive single pan meal. Mexican rice is an informal side.
So while they share Spanish origins, the two rice dishes follow different culinary paths.
Health Benefits
Mexican rice offers solid nutritional value:
– Carbohydrates: The rice provides sustained energy from complex carbs.
– Lycopene: The tomato sauce contains this antioxidant associated with heart health.
– Fiber: Whole grain rice offers more filling fiber than white versions.
– Flavonoids: Spices like cumin and chili powder boast inflammation-reducing flavonoids.
– Folate: Essential for metabolism and cell growth. Helps prevent birth defects.
– Potassium: An electrolyte mineral that regulates fluid balance and blood pressure.
– Phytonutrients: Plant compounds in tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic benefit immunity.
Rice alone has a high glycemic index. But pairing it with beans, veggies, lean protein helps control blood sugar response. Enjoying tomatoey Mexican rice in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.
Buying and Storing Tips
Follow these tips for buying ingredients and storing leftover rice:
– Shop bulk bins for savings on rice in the exact amount needed. Look for uniform, unwrinkled grains.
– Canned tomatoes provide consistent quality year-round. For fresh, look for plump, blemish-free tomatoes.
– Onions and garlic can be bought shelf-stable. For maximum freshness, look for firm skins and no sprouting.
– Refrigerate fresh tomatoes and other veggies promptly after bringing them home.
– Store dried spices, chili powders, etc. in airtight containers away from light and moisture.
– Cooked rice should be refrigerated within 1 hour of cooking. Keep for 3-5 days.
– Reheating leftover rice thoroughly until steaming hot reduces risk of bacteria growth.
With the right storage methods, ingredients for Mexican rice keep for a reasonably long shelf life. Cooked rice can even be frozen.
Where to Find Authentic Mexican Rice in Restaurants
To experience traditional Mexican rice, visit restaurants specializing in authentic cuisine:
– Local taquerias, taco trucks, and street food vendors for classic renditions.
– Mexican fondas and cocinas economicas for homestyle, regional recipes.
– Upscale Mexican restaurants for gourmet takes on classics like mole poblano with arroz rojo.
– Family-owned and operated establishments that have spent decades perfecting their recipes.
– Restaurants using traditional cooking methods like clay pots and comals.
– Places that make red rice fresh daily rather than using pre-made powders.
– Menus emphasizing authentic dishes from specific Mexican states like Oaxaca, Veracruz, Michoacán.
– Chefs who source high quality Mexican ingredients and exotic dried chilies.
– Spots recommended by Mexican nationals and Mexican-American food experts.
Seeking out authentic restaurants ensures an appreciation for Mexican rice’s origins and essential flavors.
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
This simple recipe makes delicious Mexican rice at home:
Ingredients:
– 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup long grain white rice
– 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
– 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook 2-3 minutes until softened.
2. Add rice and stir to coat for 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, chicken broth, spices, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
4. Remove pan from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.
5. Serve hot, with lime wedges for squeezing over top. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Mexican rice is more than a side dish – it’s a staple that honors history, culture, family, and values. Mexico boasts endless variations from region to region, but tomatoes, spice, and tender grains define the soul of arroz rojo. Whether cooked in a traditional clay pot or an American rice cooker, Mexican rice remains a versatile and cherished recipe both south and north of the border.
