Imagine a culinary journey that captures the vibrant essence of Spain's Mediterranean coastline in just one dish. This Spanish Style Rice with Capers and Anchovies is not just a recipe—it's a flavor-packed adventure that transforms humble ingredients into a gourmet experience. With its rich, briny notes and perfectly toasted rice, this dish promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary, bringing the bold and sophisticated tastes of Spanish cuisine directly to your dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup capers, rinsed
- 1/4 cup anchovies, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains with olive oil, toasting them lightly for 1-2 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the capers and anchovies by rinsing the capers to remove excess brine and finely chopping the anchovies.
- After the rice has cooked, remove from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice and create a fluffy texture.
- Gently fold in the chopped anchovies and rinsed capers, distributing them evenly throughout the rice.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, keeping in mind that anchovies are already quite salty.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains and ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Key: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which ensures each grain remains separate and fluffy.
- Toast for Depth: Take time to lightly toast the rice in olive oil before adding broth—this step intensifies the nutty flavor and adds complexity to the dish.
- Low and Slow: Maintain a gentle, low heat when simmering to prevent burning and achieve perfectly cooked rice.
- Anchovy and Caper Balance: Rinse capers to reduce saltiness and finely chop anchovies to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the rice.
- Resting Matters: Let the rice rest covered after cooking for 5 minutes—this steaming phase is crucial for achieving that perfect, light texture.
- Seasoning Tip: Be cautious with added salt since anchovies are naturally salty. Taste and adjust seasoning carefully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg
