Smoky Chipotle Yellow Rice
Dive into the rich and spicy flavors with this savory yellow rice dish. Enhanced with smoky chili notes, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and aromatic spices, this side dish is a delightful accompaniment to any meal. Whether you're serving it alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread, this rice promises to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads (or use turmeric for color if saffron is not available)
- 1 tsp paprika (preferably smoked)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1-2 chipotle peppers from a can of chipotle in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp of the adobo sauce from the can
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using the 'Sauté' function of your Instant Pot, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they begin to soften (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices, Rice, and Broth: Stir in the saffron threads (or turmeric), paprika, ground cumin, chopped chipotle peppers, and the adobo sauce. Mix well. Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to mix with the spices and vegetables. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
- Pressure Cook: Place the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the vent is set to 'Sealing.' Choose the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' setting and set the timer for 7 minutes on High pressure.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the vent to 'Venting' for a quick release of any remaining pressure.
- Add Peas, Cilantro, and Cherry Tomatoes: Stir in the frozen peas and halved cherry tomatoes. The residual heat will warm the peas and slightly soften the tomatoes. If you're using cilantro, stir it in now.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the rice as a side dish with your favorite Spanish or Latin main courses.