Ingredients
- 12 ounces tomatoes, very ripe and cored
- 1 medium white onion
- 3 medium jalapenos
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste may omit if using canned tomatoes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, minced
Directions:
- Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350.
- Process tomato and onion in processor or blender until pureed and thoroughly smooth. Transfer mixture to measuring cup and reserve exactly 2 cups. Discard excess.
- Remove ribs and seeds from 2 jalapenos and discard. Mince flesh and set aside. Mince remaining jalapeno. Set aside.
- Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until water runs clear- about 1 1/2 minutes.Shake rice vigorously to remove excess water.This step removes the starch from the rice so it will not stick.
- Heat oil in heavy bottomed oven safe 12 inch straight sided sautee pan or Dutch oven with tight fitting lid over low-medium heat about 2 minutes.
- Drop a few rice grains in and if they sizzle then it is ready. Add rice and fry stirring until rice is light golden and translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Be careful that the oil doesn’t get too hot too fast or the oil will splatter.
- Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and 2 minced jalapenos and cook, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes.
- Stir in broth, pureed mixture, tomato paste, and salt. Increase heat to medium high, and bring to a boil.
- Cover pan and transfer pan to oven to bake until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, 30-35 minutes stir well after 15 minutes.
- Stir in cilantro, minced jalapeno to taste, and pass lime wedges separately.
- If you can’t get good fresh tomatoes you are better off using canned tomatoes. Don’t use those awful hard and under ripe tomatoes that are at most supermarket chains.
- Just be sure that the processed tomatoes and the one onion equals 2 cups. One the other hand- if you find that after processing your tomatoes and onions that you have less than 2 cups- simply add enough bottled salsa to make up the difference.
- Do not skip any of the steps. It may seem stupid- but rinsing the rice to remove the starch is very important if you want fluffy rice. It will only take two minutes of your time but it makes the difference.