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Puerto Rican Rice (Arroz Blanco Puertorriqueno)

Tender Puerto Rican rice cooked in a sofrito base with olives and capers, perfect as a flavorful side dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Calories: 245

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup sofrito
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth warmed
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes fresh or canned
  • 1/3 cup pitted green olives halved
  • 2 tablespoons capers rinsed
  • 1 bay leaf

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot with lid
  • Wooden spoon or rice paddle
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Can opener
  • Small bowl
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Rinse the rice under cold running water until it runs clear, about 1 minute.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat for 1 minute until shimmering.
  3. Add sofrito and diced tomatoes, cook and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened.
  4. Add the rinsed rice and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to toast the grains and coat with the sofrito mixture.
  5. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano, stirring to distribute evenly.
  6. Pour in warmed broth while stirring, then add bay leaf, olives, and capers and stir once to combine.
  7. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a rolling boil, about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Reduce heat to low, cover pot with lid leaving a small gap for steam, and simmer undisturbed for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  10. Remove the lid, discard the bay leaf, and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

Serve as a side dish or enjoy straight from the pot.