Imagine a side dish so vibrant and aromatic that it instantly transports you to the sun-drenched kitchens of Latin America. This Yellow Rice with Sofrito isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that promises to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. With its stunning golden hue, rich flavors, and incredibly simple preparation, this dish will become your new secret weapon in the kitchen, impressing family and friends with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Latin
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sofrito
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking.
- Add sofrito to the heated oil and sauté for 1-2 minutes, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant flavors and become slightly translucent.
- Pour in the long-grain rice and stir to coat each grain with the sofrito and oil, toasting the rice lightly for about 2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Crush the saffron threads between your fingers and add them to the chicken broth, stirring to release their golden color and distinct aroma.
- Pour the saffron-infused chicken broth into the pot with the rice, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add salt to taste, typically about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, depending on the saltiness of your chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a full boil, then immediately reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
- After cooking time is complete, remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 additional minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving, ensuring each grain is separate and infused with the golden saffron color and rich sofrito flavor.
Tips
- Use high-quality saffron threads for the most authentic and rich color
- Toast the rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor profile
- Never lift the lid while the rice is cooking to ensure perfect steam absorption
- Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking to achieve optimal texture
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution
- If you can't find sofrito, you can make a quick version with onions, garlic, and bell peppers
- For extra richness, you can substitute some chicken broth with coconut milk
- Always fluff rice with a fork to keep grains separate and fluffy
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
