Shea Simmons
Cooking rice is pretty basic, right? Whether you have a rice maker or just whip it up in a pot the old-fashioned way, it’s a pretty simple side dish. But, evidently, you can take it up a notch by using an unexpected ingredient: orange juice.
To give your rice its best flavor profile, it’s best to infuse tastes prior to cooking and during the cooking process. Orange juice is a popular flavor option that might seem a bit out there, but there are good reasons to try it out.
First, the citrus in orange juice can brighten the flavor and taste of classic white rice, and give the grain’s appearance a bit of pizazz, too. Yes, it will give the rice a bit of an orange flavor, but not so much that it tastes like a dessert. The sweetness will be mild, and the newfound flavor will pair well with a multitude of foods, like pork, seafood, and poultry.
So, how do you make rice with OJ? It’s recommended that you use freshly squeezed orange juice, but you can use a commercial brand that’s unsweetened, as well.
First, just place butter, celery, and shallots in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Next, add the orange juice, water, orange zest, salt, and thyme. Bring to a boil, and then slowly add the rice. Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Let it rest for five minutes, and then fluff, and serve.
You’ll find the full recipe over on The Spruce Eats, and more tasty rice recipes here.
[Via Mashed]
