There’s an art to creating the perfect mixed rice dish, a symphony of flavors and textures that can turn the humble grain into a centerpiece of culinary delight. It’s a dish I find myself craving when I yearn for both nourishment and vibrancy on my plate—a canvas where the earthy essence of rice meets a mosaic of colorful vegetables, succulent meats, or aromatic herbs.
In my kitchen, the best mixed rice is born out of a desire to celebrate diversity in a single pot. It’s the answer to using up the odds and ends of the refrigerator, transforming them into something unexpectedly harmonious. Whether it’s the sweet pop of peas, the tender bite of carrots, or the rich depth of caramelized onions, each ingredient adds its voice to the chorus.
On evenings when the breeze carries the promise of change, or when the company of friends and family fills the home with laughter, this dish becomes a shared journey through taste and texture. It’s a comforting staple, yet it never ceases to surprise and satisfy with its endless variations. Join me as we explore the secrets to crafting the best mixed rice, a celebration of life’s simple pleasures and the joy of cooking with heart.
Best Mixed Rice recipe
Best Mixed Rice
Mixed rice is another way that we Colombians prepare rice. Hence the name, as we mix different meats and vegetables. You may use any meat or vegetable of your preference or use what you have on hand in the kitchen. Today I offer you my sister’s Tatiana mixed rice recipe, her own way of making it. I hope you like it as much as we do! The way she blends the ingredients, is actually my favorite and many guests that have tried it agree with me! The result is colorful, mixed rice, with many flavors and textures, to make it unique!
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Colombia
Servings 7 people
Calories 652 kcal
- One pound of shrimp
- ½ pound chorizo or sausage
- 2 whole chicken legs or breast of chicken
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 1 red onion diced
- 1 green pepper diced
- 1 red pepper diced
- 1 yellow pepper diced
- 2 tomatoes peeled and seeded, cut into cubes
- 4 garlic cloves crushed
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- Bunch of 1 scallion green onion
- 2 cups rice uncooked
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley and more to add at the end
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 dark Beer if you don’t have one, you can use light beer. The results are not the same!
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can of miniature peas
- 4 tablespoons capers
- 1 teaspoon of Color saffron, annatto Goya seasoning
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
PEEL, devein and wash shrimp.
DICE chicken into bite size. You can use thighs as they are more flavorful but you can also use breast of chicken.
SLICE the chorizo or sausage into bite size pieces
HEAT oil over medium heat in a pan and sauté the chorizo.
ADD the chicken and continue sautéing.
ADD the vegetables: onion, scallions, garlic, different peppers, ginger, tomato and parsley.
COOK this for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
ADD cumin, salt, pepper and tomato paste, cooking about 2 minutes.
ADD rice, beer, chicken broth, capers and peas (half the amount of these two) and mix well. Simmer until dry and reduce the temperature to low.
ADD salt and pepper to taste.
SIMMER until rice is done. Add the shrimps on top of the rice, wait until they change color and mix well.
RECTIFY salt, add if necessary.
How to cook Best Mixed Rice electric cooker
The electric cooker is a modern kitchen ally, turning the task of making the Best Mixed Rice into an effortless affair. With a flick of a switch, it welcomes a medley of grains, each poised to absorb the flavors you’ll layer in. The joy of this dish lies in its harmony of ingredients; vibrant vegetables, aromatic spices, and your choice of protein come together as if they were always meant to be. As the cooker works its magic, there’s a comforting freedom in stepping away, knowing that a perfectly cooked, fragrant dish awaits. It’s a celebration of textures and tastes, a testament to the beauty of letting technology handle the art of timing and heat. When the cooker’s chime sounds, it’s not just a signal that the meal is ready—it’s an invitation to gather and share in the simple pleasure of a dish that nourishes both body and soul.
Tips for making Best Mixed Rice
Cooking Tips
Creating the Best Mixed Rice is an act of love, a culinary tapestry woven with grains and flavors. Begin with a choice of rice, considering its texture and how it will cradle the spices and seasonings. Toasting the rice lightly in oil before adding water can unlock a nutty essence that lays a foundation for the dish. As you select your vegetables and proteins, think about the colors and textures they bring, aiming for a balance that pleases both the eye and the palate. Gentle seasoning is key; let each herb and spice sing without overpowering the chorus. And remember, restraint is a virtue—overcrowding the pot can lead to a muddled taste. Finally, allow the rice to rest after cooking, giving time for each grain to absorb the melody of flavors fully. In this patience, you’ll find the heart of the dish: a harmony of ingredients, each bite a testament to the care infused from stove to table.
Serving suggestion
Best Mixed Rice, a vibrant tapestry of flavors and textures, deserves a presentation that honors its rich diversity. Serve it steaming hot, the grains glistening and fragrant, inviting a journey through the myriad ingredients nestled within. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can add a burst of color and aroma, while a side of crisp, cool cucumber or tangy pickled vegetables provides a refreshing contrast. Consider plating it with a smile, knowing that each spoonful offers a comforting embrace of home-cooked goodness. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a family dinner or a side dish to a larger feast, Best Mixed Rice is a celebration on a plate, a testament to the joy of bringing together simple ingredients to create something truly special.
Top 5 FAQs about Best Mixed Rice
- What types of rice work best for a mixed rice dish? The choice of rice is crucial as it affects the texture and flavor of the dish. Long-grain varieties like Basmati or Jasmine are popular for their fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors well. For stickier rice, short-grain varieties can be used. It’s important to consider the rice’s cooking time and how it complements the other ingredients.
- How can I ensure that my mixed rice has a balance of flavors and textures? Achieving a harmonious balance involves using a variety of ingredients with different textures and flavors. Incorporate a mix of fresh vegetables for crunch, proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu for substance, and nuts or seeds for a nutty bite. Seasoning appropriately with herbs, spices, and sauces will enhance the overall taste.
- Can mixed rice be made in advance, and how should it be reheated? Mixed rice can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, sprinkle some water over the rice to prevent drying out and warm it in a microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- What are some creative mix-ins to elevate my mixed rice dish? To add excitement to your mixed rice, consider incorporating ingredients like pineapple for a sweet tang, cashews for crunch, or a splash of coconut milk for creaminess. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add a burst of flavor right before serving.
- Is there a vegetarian or vegan option for mixed rice? Absolutely! For a vegetarian or vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth, and replace animal proteins with plant-based alternatives like chickpeas, lentils, or tofu. Ensure that any added sauces or seasonings are also free from animal products.
Best Mixed Rice is a culinary mosaic, a dish that embodies the spirit of unity and creativity in the kitchen. It’s a testament to the idea that the most satisfying meals often arise from a blend of simple ingredients, each contributing its unique flavor and texture to create something greater than the sum of its parts. This dish celebrates the versatility of rice as a staple food, inviting an array of colorful vegetables, rich proteins, and aromatic spices to join in harmony. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a family dinner or a side dish to a grander meal, Best Mixed Rice is a comforting reminder of how diverse elements can come together to forge a delicious and memorable experience. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a canvas for personal expression, a chance to infuse love into every grain, and to share a piece of oneself with every serving.