Yellow Rice with Tuna: An Easy Cuban Dish with Exquisite Creole Flavor
Yellow rice is one of the most appreciated recipes in Cuban cuisine thanks to its attractive presentation, pleasant aroma, special flavor, and the ease with which it can quickly become an ideal meal to enjoy with the family.
🍚 Ingredients Needed
- 2 cans of light tuna in oil, 110 grams each (drained)
- 2½ cups long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves crushed in a mortar
- 1 whole onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, cut into small cubes
- 3 ounces sweet peas
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup dry wine
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 packet bijol (or saffron)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
Begin by preparing the sofrito. To do this, heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, onion, and carrot. Sauté for several minutes until they begin to soften, and finally add the crushed garlic. Stir well and allow all the vegetables to soften properly.
Add the salt, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, bijol, and black pepper. Mix so the seasonings release their aroma and blend into the sofrito.
Add the previously washed and drained rice. Stir carefully so the grains absorb all the flavors and cook for a few minutes until they begin to look slightly translucent.
Add the sweet paprika and stir quickly. Then add the tomato sauce and continue stirring until everything is well combined.
Increase the heat to high and, once hot, add the dry wine. Cook until the alcohol evaporates.
Pour in the hot water and stir carefully again. Adjust salt if needed. When the liquid comes to a boil and reduces slightly, lower the heat to minimum, cover, and cook for 10 minutes without stirring.
After that time, uncover and add the drained tuna along with the sweet peas. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
Cover again and cook over low heat for about 5 more minutes. Then uncover and use a fork to gently separate the rice grains without breaking them.
Cover again, reduce heat to the lowest setting, and let it steam for about 10 more minutes until fully tender and fluffy.
Finally, turn off the heat, uncover, and serve immediately while hot.
🔥 The Secret to Perfect Yellow Rice
The key is respecting cooking times and avoiding constant stirring. This keeps the grains whole, loose, and full of flavor.
📋 Additional Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 portions
- Category: Rice
- Cuisine: Cuban
💡 Practical Tip
Always rinse rice before cooking to remove excess surface starch. This helps achieve fluffier and better-textured rice.
🍽️ Chef’s Suggestion
Serve this yellow rice with a fresh vegetable salad and fried ripe plantains for a complete traditional Cuban meal.
Would you like to try this recipe? Share your experience in the comments and tell us your own tips for perfect yellow rice.
🏷️ Tags: yellow rice with tuna, Cuban rice, Cuban recipes, Cuban cuisine, rice with fish, traditional Cuban dishes
For the Spanish version, visit: Arroz Amarillo con Atún: una receta cubana fácil, económica y llena de sabor.
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