Rinse Rice: Using a wide sieve, rinse the rice 2-3 times until water runs clear. Let is soak in fresh water till you chop and prep the other ingredients. After that, drain the rice and keep aside.
Instant Pot Method
Saute: Turn on Instant Pot on Saute high mode. When it displays 'hot', add garlic, onions, peppers, corn, drained rice and seasoning to the pot. Saute everything for 2 minutes.
Pressure Cook: Add water to the pot and stir well. Now add salsa on top and spread gently without stirring it all the way. This prevents the 'burn' error. Cancel saute and close the lid. Cook on Pressure cook/Manual for 6 mins (high pressure).
NPR 5, then QR: After cooking, wait 5 minutes and then release the pressure manually. Open the lid after the pin drops.
Fluff Rice and garnish: Using a fork, gently fluff the rice. Garnish with cilantro and fresh lime juice and enjoy with your favorite entree.
Stove-Top Instructions
Heat a sauce pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add oil, garlic, onions, peppers, corn, drained rice and seasoning. Saute for around 2 minutes.
Then, add water and salsa. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
Once done, open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork, and place the lid back. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro and fresh lime juice and enjoy with your favorite entree.
Video
Notes
Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice 2-3 times, until the water runs clear to remove the extra starch coating the rice kernels. This prevents the rice from being sticky and they turn out fluffy.
Adding paprika and salsa: Using these two ingredients gives this dish its iconic reddish-orange color. Salsa adds a spiced tomato flavor to the rice, complementing any dish you pair it with.
Saute the rice: I always saute the rice with aromatics for a couple of minutes before adding water. Sautéing brings out the nutty flavor of rice and when you toast it with aromatics, it blends all the flavors really well. It also makes the end texture fluffy.
This recipe has been tested in a 3qt and 6qt Instant Pot. If making this in an 8Qt size, adjust the water quantity to meet the minimum requirement.
Note: The nutrition facts below are my estimates. If you are following any diet plan, I recommend cross-checking with your preferred nutrition calculator.