Best 3 Rice Elena Recipes

Rice Elena, a traditional Valencian dish from Spain, is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The dish features layers of fluffy rice, tender chicken, succulent seafood, and a flavorful tomato sauce, all topped with a crispy layer of melted cheese. The recipe is typically made with bomba rice, a short-grain variety that absorbs the flavors of the sauce and seafood exceptionally well. The chicken is usually marinated in a mixture of garlic, paprika, and olive oil, then pan-fried until golden brown. The seafood, often a combination of shrimp, mussels, and calamari, is cooked in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with onions, bell peppers, and a touch of saffron. The dish is then assembled in a paella pan, with the rice spread evenly on the bottom, followed by the chicken, seafood, and sauce. A layer of grated cheese, typically a mixture of Manchego and Parmesan, is sprinkled on top, and the paella is baked in the oven until the rice is cooked through and the cheese is melted and golden. This enticing dish is sure to impress your taste buds and is perfect for a special occasion or a memorable meal with loved ones. Additionally, this article provides variations of the classic recipe, including a vegetarian paella, a seafood-only paella, and a paella with chorizo and clams, giving you a diverse selection of options to suit your preferences.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ELENA'S YELLOW RICE

Elena's Yellow Rice image

This is my husband's favorite rice. It took me awhile to finally come up with this version. One can add chicken, tuna, ham, etc., to make it a one dish meal. It is also great for rice patties. The vinegar is traditional in rice in Spain; it keeps the rice fluffy.

Provided by Mariposa

Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup long grain white rice
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed

Steps:

Stir water, vegetable oil, garlic, vinegar, turmeric, and salt together in a 2-quart saucepan. Place a cover on the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
Slowly stir rice into the boiling mixture. Replace cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer rice mixture until the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
Transfer rice to a large bowl. Gently fold peas and carrots into rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 237.9 calories, Carbohydrate 44.7 g, Fat 4.1 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 5.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 616.8 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

RICE ELENA

Rice Elena image

This is a favorite of my family. Quick and easy and delicious! Goes great with Mexican dishes or as a side dish with chicken.

Provided by bryantgal31

Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter, or as needed
3 cups cooked rice, or more to taste
2 cups sour cream
1 pound shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chilies
½ cup grated Cheddar cheese
salt to taste

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
Mix rice, sour cream, Monterey jack cheese, green chiles, and salt together in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese over the rice mixture.
Bake in preheated oven until hot in the center, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 465.1 calories, Carbohydrate 21.1 g, Cholesterol 88.7 mg, Fat 33.7 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 19.7 g, SaturatedFat 21.1 g, Sodium 746.8 mg, Sugar 1.3 g

RICE ELENA RECIPE - (4/5)

Rice Elena Recipe - (4/5) image

Provided by learen

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

3-4 c cooked rice
2 c sour cream
2 4oz cans chopped green chiles
1 lb mjont jack cheese, grated
salt to taste
1/4 c grated cheddar cheese

Steps:

Butter a 2 qt casserole. Mix all ingredients together except cheddar chese. Pour in casserole. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Bake at 350 for 30 min.

Tips:

Use high-quality rice: For the best results, use a long-grain rice such as basmati or jasmine rice. These rices have a light, fluffy texture and cook evenly.
Rinse the rice thoroughly: Rinsing the rice removes the starch from the surface of the grains, which helps to prevent them from sticking together.
Use the right amount of water: The general rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of water for every 2 cups of rice. However, you may need to adjust this ratio slightly depending on the type of rice you are using.
Bring the water to a boil: Before adding the rice, bring the water to a boil. This will help to ensure that the rice cooks evenly.
Simmer the rice: Once the water has come to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes, or until all of the water has been absorbed.
Let the rice rest: After the rice has finished cooking, let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This will help to prevent the rice from becoming sticky.

Conclusion:

Rice Elena is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It is a great way to use up leftover rice, and it can be easily customized to your liking. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, Rice Elena is a perfect dish for beginner cooks.