Are you cursed with the cannot cook rice gene? I am. It comes out crunchy, over-cooked, burnt for me on a regular basis. A few years ago I finally purchased a rice cooker, a cheap one ($10 clearance) just to try it out. In no time it turned into one of my favorite tools in the kitchen. Basically just set it and forget so you can tend to other aspects of the meal.
The Best Rice Cooker for Mexican Rice
My first jump into the art of rice cooking started with a basic cooker. The Aroma 4-cup Rice and Grain Cooker was the first rice cooker I ever owned. The size makes it perfect for our family so if you are looking to cook for a family over four or a big party this one may not be for you. It is a simple and compact device that you simply add in the rice, water and flip the switch. That’s it, just let it work it’s magic while you go about your way. If you are looking for a simple start then this is the way. Be on the look out, you can scoop this one up for 50% off.
Over time I wanted to do more with the cooker and finally gave in and purchased the Zojirushi 5 1/2 cup Rice Cooker. In addition to the slightly bigger size and amazing rice cooking abilities, this rice cooker has settings to make cake, porridge, steam and quick cook. Not to mention it plays a fun melody at the beginning and end of the cooking cycle.
There are many rice cookers out on the market, be sure to research and find one that works best for you.
How to Make Easy Rice Cooker Mexican Rice
Measure the rice with the provided measuring cup then level off. You want to be precise here.
Wash the rice, yes it needs to be washed. This is one of the biggest obstacles when it comes to making the perfect rice. You want to wash the rice until you can see the grains through the water. The following video will help you to see what I am talking about. It takes a few minutes but it makes all the difference in the world.
Place the rice in an even layer the bottom of the rice cooker and then add the tomato paste, onion and pepper mixture to the top of the rice. Add broth to the cooker.
Select the White/Sushi setting and press start. Note – all rice cookers are different so be sure to follow the directions for yours.
Equipment
- 1 rice cooker
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 large jalapeño stemmed, seeded and minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste depending on broth
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the onions and jalapeño and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. the onion until translucent, add garlic. Alternatively you can place the onion and garlic in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 2 minutes to soften the onion and tone down the flavors
- Turn the heat up to medium and add the tomato paste, garlic and spices. Cook, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Wash the rice and place into rice cooker. Add the onion and jalapeño mixture to the inner cooking pot on top of the rice layer, do not stir.
- Add the broth, close the cooker and hit start. This varies with rice cookers so cook according to your cookers instructions.
