ARROZ ROJO RECIPES

Steps:

• Tear the chili into flat pieces and toast in a heavy skillet over medium heat, pressing firmly with a spatula until it cracks, blisters and changes color, about 45 seconds per side. Place in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Weight with a plate to keep the pieces submerged, and let stand for 30 minutes. Drain and place in a blender jar.
• Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until browned, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 2 minutes. Scrape into the blender and add 1/2 cup of broth. Blend to a smooth puree and strain through a medium-mesh sieve into a small saucepan. Stir in the salt and remaining broth. Set over low heat.
• Combine 1 1/2 teaspoons of oil and the rice in a deep pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until the rice is light brown, about 7 to 10 minutes. Carefully add the broth mixture -- it will spatter -- stir well, scrape down the sides of the pan, cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. (More broth may be required to make the rice tender; add 1/4 cup at a time and continue cooking.) Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, 5 to 10 minutes, until the grains are tender but still quite firm. Season with additional salt if needed.

Steps:

• Put rice in a bowl and wash with cold water until water comes out clear.
• Drain rice and place on a plate letting it dry completely.
• While the rice is drying, place tomato, onion, cilantro and garlic in a blender. Pour ½ cup of chicken stock and blend until smooth. Set aside.
• Heat a good amount oil over medium heat in a frying pan. Add rice and fry, stirring constantly until rice have a nice golden color. Adjust the heat so the rice will fry evenly.
• Set heat to low and remove the oil.
• Add the tomato sauce, set heat to medium-high and cook for 1 minute stirring constantly.
• Add half a cup of chicken stock and bring to boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, until the rice is done (from 15 to 17 minutes). Make sure you don't stir.
• If after 10-12 minutes you notice there's no more liquid and the rice is still undercooked, add a little bit more of chicken stock pouring it around the pan edges.
• Once is done, fluffy it with a fork, cover and let it sit for another 5 minutes before serving.