FREEZE DRIED MEXICAN RICE

This flavorful rice is the perfect side dish to go with just about any dinner. It is easy to make and tastes like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant. Freeze drying allows you to preserve the distinct flavors of this rice, making it ready to enjoy in minutes, just by adding hot water. Here’s how to make and freeze-dry this delicious Mexican Rice with The CUBE. 

Ingredients 

Yields 6 to 8 servings 

• 4 Tablespoons canola oil
• 2 cups rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 3 large Roma tomatoes, blended to make a puree
• 1½ teaspoon paprika 
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
• Optional - diced carrots, peas, etc. 

Instructions

1. Sauté rice in oil over medium heat in a saucepan until it reaches a light golden brown color. 
2. Add diced onion to the pan and sauté until the onion is browned. 
3. Next, add the minced garlic to the pan. Stirring constantly to prevent garlic from burning.
4. Mix enough chicken broth with the blended tomatoes to make 4 cups. 
5. This mixture will now be added to the rice. Add your vegetables of choice (like diced carrots, green peas, etc.).
6. Cover and bring to a boil. Boil for 15 mins.
7. Turn the heat down to and simmer until the water has mostly evaporated. *However, be careful not to stir the rice, since doing this can turn it mushy.
8. Check the rice after 30 mins. It should have a soft texture and consistency. When it does, it is finished.
9. Serve with your favorite entree or add chicken to use as a main dish.  

 Freeze Drying Instructions for the CUBE

1. Freeze Dry: After making, allow the rice to cool completely. Spread evenly on CUBE trays.
2. Weigh the Trays with food on them.
3. Run a Cycle: Freeze-dry according to your CUBE's instructions.
4. Weigh the trays with dried food on them. The difference from step 2 is the amount of water required to rehydrate.
5. Storage: Once freeze-dried, store in Mylar bags with an oxygen absorber for long-term storage. 
6. Be sure to note the amount of water needed for rehydration on the Mylar bag.

Rehydrating Instructions

To rehydrate, add the amount of hot water predetermined above to your freeze-dried rice and let sit until absorbed. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.