Arroz Negro
Jalapenos are the most popular chile peppers in the US. This is probably due to the availability and versatility of the chile. Jalapenos have a balanced combination of flavor and heat.
The demand for these have caused breeders to develop a broad range of varieties. You can now get jalapenos with various heat level and sizes. These can be used in salsas, stuffed, or eaten straight with cheeseburgers (my personal favorite).
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cups raw rice
2 cups cooking liquid from black beans
1/2 cup tomatoes with juice, chopped
1 cube bouillon
1 medium bay leaf
1 tsp. pure red chile powder
1 small jalapeno chile, chopped
Instructions:
Heat the oil and saute the garlic. Add the rice and cook until golden. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat. Cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender. Fluff and serve.
Recipe adapted from “Flavors of Mexico,” by Marlena Spieler.