Happy Birthday Dad! This one is for you!
Every year on my Dad's birthday, my Mom would make him my Grandmother's Spanish Rice. This dish is pretty simple to make, doesn't take too much time and aside from the beef, is very affordable. Growing up, I always though this meal was rather bland, so I have jazzed it up a bit from the original, in true Ashley fashion. I've decided this recipe needs garlic, jalapeno and canned tomatoes. That added the extra flavor I needed, and I don't hear my Dad complaining either! Not that he ever would.
Spanish Rice may be the only actual recipe I have of my Grandmother's. Any time I made something of hers, I would call and ask how much of something I needed, because only the ingredients were listed and she would just say "Oh I don't know baby, I just add things until it looks right" So this is probably how I learned to cook, and to be honest, I don't usually measure anything either. When I started this blog and releasing recipes, I had to go back and remake everything, just so I could figure out what to tell you all.
Dad's Birthday Spanish Rice
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1 lb - Ground Beef
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1 - Medium Yellow Onion (diced)
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1 - Green Bell Pepper (diced)
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1 cup - White Rice
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2 - Cans of Diced Tomatoes
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2 cup - Chicken Broth
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1 - Jalapeno (minced)
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2 - Cloves of Garlic (minced)
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2 tbsp - Chili Powder
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1 tsp - Ground Cumin
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Salt and Pepper to taste
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2 - 3 tbsp - Bacon Drippings or Canola Oil
Heat a large non stick pan with a lid over medium heat and add two to three tablespoons of either bacon drippings or canola oil. My grandmother always used bacon fat, and this does add flavor, so I use the same thing, but feel free to use any fat with a high smoke level. Once the oil is heated, add the uncooked rice and stir consistently so the rice doesn't burn. You want the rice to brown a little, this gives this dish another level of flavor. Once the rice is perfectly browned, you will add the ground beef and cook through about half way before adding onion, bell pepper, jalapeno and garlic. Once the veggies are all added, saute until the beef is browned and the veggies are tender.
Now we add our liquids and spices! First add the canned tomatoes, stir until well combined. Next add the cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Once this is all mixed in, add the chicken broth and cover your pan. This last part may be different for everyone depending of what kind of rice you used, so once the pan is covered, cook according to the directions on your rice package. Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the lid and fluff the rice, mixing everything well. Serve this hot and enjoy!! See, I told you it was easy, and it's a one pot meal so the clean up is minimal. My fave! Thank you all for cooking with me!
Ashley Tuttle
