Mexican red rice with shrimp (Arroz rojo con camarones)
A simple mexican recipe to remember, red rice with vegetables, shrimp and octopus or squid; this recipe is from Veracruz. Naturally this recipe is similar to the recipe for the simple red rice, but it presents a different way to make it; you can choose your favorite method...
Mexican red rice with shrimp
Ingredients for 6-8 guests:
* 1 cup oil
* 2 cups rice, uncooked
* 1 onion, finely chopped
* 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
* 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
* 2 carrots, peeled and diced
* 4 cups tomato juice
* 1 lb. of fresh shrimp, cleaned
* 1 lb. octopus or squid, baked and sliced (optional)
* 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon dry powder
* 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
* 3 Arbol chiles
* 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
Preparation:
1) In a large heavy saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat and fry the rice in the hot oil, constantlhy mixing, until rice browns slightly. At this point add the onion, garlic, potatoes and carrots, fry everything for 2 minutes.
2) Blend the arbol chiles in the tomato juice; pour the tomato juice, the fried rice, the chicken bouillon powder in a pot and cover over high heat. When the liquid starts to boil reduce heat setting and simmer for 25 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed by the rice, and the rice is tender.
3) Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork; add shrimp, chopped cilantro and squid then mix. Close the lid and simmer 10 more minutes over low heat.
4) Remove from burner, and keep covered for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
