A simple, fragrant side dish that receives its glow from achiote powder. The rice pairs well with any Latin meal. I served mine in easy asparagus, onion, and black bean tacos.

This makes a lot of rice because I like to keep extra on hand in the fridge, but feel free to halve the recipe.

Achiote powder can be found at your local Asian or Latin market.

Ingredients

• 1/4 C. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 T. achiote powder
• 1 head of garlic, cloves separated
• 2 C. long-grain white rice
• 3 1/2 C. vegetable broth
• salt to taste
• zest of one large organic orange (optional)

Method

Step 1

Peel and finely chop garlic.

Step 2

In a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot, combine oil, achiote powder and chopped garlic. Saute over medium heat for about one minute, until garlic has softened but is not browning.

Step 3

Add uncooked rice to pot. Stir until rice is evenly coated with oil.

Step 4

Add vegetable broth and orange zest to pot. Stir well. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover with lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until rice is tender and has absorbed all the broth.

Step 5

Remove pot from heat. Leaving lid in place, allow rice to steam in pot for five minutes. Remove lid and fluff with a fork.

Step 6