Spanish Rice
Adding a pinch or two of brown or granulated sugar when you add the water enhances the flavor of this dish and cuts the acidity of the tomatoes.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 4
- 1 pound hamburger
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 ½ cups water
- Pinch light brown or granulated sugar
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup uncooked short- or medium-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce to taste
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Add the hamburger, onion, green pepper, and chili powder to a deep 2-quart or larger nonstick skillet; fry the hamburger over medium to medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent the vegetables from burning and to break apart the hamburger. When the hamburger is browned and the onions are transparent, drain off and discard any excess fat.
Stir in the water, tomato sauce, butter, rice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and thyme; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper, if needed.
