Spanish rice facts for kids
Mexican rice served next to beans
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| Alternative names | Red rice, arroz rojo, Istanboli Polo |
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| Course | Side dish |
| Place of origin | Mexico |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | White rice, tomatoes, garlic, onions, broth |
Spanish rice, also known as Mexican rice or red rice (Spanish: arroz rojo), is a Mexican side dish or an ingredient in other dishes made from white rice, tomatoes, garlic, onions, etc. The name Spanish rice is only used in the US; it does not originate in Spain. In Iran and Persian cuisine, a similar dish is called Istanboli Polo (Persian: استانبولی پلو). It dates back to Qajar Iran. It is known as "Persian tomato rice" in the Western world.
Spanish rice is traditionally made by sautéing the rice in a skillet with oil or fat until it is colored golden brown. Water or chicken broth is then added, along with tomatoes in the form of chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce. Spanish rice originates in the methods of cooking rice in Spanish cuisine. Since the Islamic period of Al Andalus Spain has a rich culinary tradition in terms of rice dishes and this was brought to the Americas by Spanish settlers of New Spain.
Mexican-style Spanish rice is cooked with tomato sauce or tomato paste and is often referred to as "red rice" (Spanish: arroz rojo) in Mexico. Mexican rice can be cooked with other vegetables like corns, peas, and bell pepper.
Etymology
The term "Spanish rice" is not used by Mexicans or Mexican food enthusiasts; the dish is usually simply referred to as "Mexican arroz" (Mexican "rice") or arroz rojo ("red rice") in Mexico. It's also called sopa seca de arroz ("dry rice soup"). Another version of sopa seca, made with pasta, is often called "Mexican spaghetti".
See also
In Spanish: Arroz rojo para niños
