The Journey of Mexican Rice

The Journey of Mexican Rice

Author: My Cultura and iHeartPodcasts December 8, 2022 Duration: 23:48
Hungry for History with Eva Longoria and Maite Gomez-Rejón
HistoryArtsCultureFoodSocietySociety & Culture

While still in Veracruz, Eva and Maite unpack the history of rice. Not native to Mexico, the Spanish conquistadores first introduced rice through the port of Veracruz, a city with lush tropical climate that also happened to be perfect for growing it. Like sugar, when its popularity exploded so did the slave trade. Also, Eva shares how she cooks perfectly fluffy Mexican rice and the owners of Horchateria Rio Luna in Paramount, CA tell us the best techniques for making horchata, an agua fresca made of rice. 

Arroz con Leche (a recipe adapted from Maite's mom)

Ingredients: 

  • one 2-inch cinnamon stick
  • two 2-inch strips of orange or lemon zest
  • 1 ¾ cups water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup rice
  • 3 cups milk
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ground cinnamon for dusting, optional

 

Instructions:

  • Put the water, cinnamon stick, orange zest and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the rice, cover and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.  
  • Remove the cinnamon stick and zest then add the milk and sugar to the pan. Set over medium-low heat and simmer until the mixture just begins to thicken – It should be about as thick as heavy cream, but not thicker, 15 to 20 minutes.  
  • Dust with ground cinnamon and serve warm, cold, or at room temperature.
  • Makes about 4 cups

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Join Eva Longoria and Maite Gomez-Rejón as they pull up a chair to a conversation that’s equal parts kitchen table and classroom. Their podcast, Hungry for History, is a vibrant exploration where every dish has a deeper story. This isn't just about recipes; it's about the people, migrations, and traditions that shaped what's on our plates. You’ll hear Eva and Maite swap personal family stories that connect them to these foods, while digging into the surprising journeys of everyday ingredients. Their curiosity leads to conversations with chefs, historians, and all kinds of food enthusiasts, creating a rich tapestry of voices. Some episodes even take you on location, uncovering the hidden past of a beloved taco, tamale, or cocktail. The atmosphere is warm and engaging, often punctuated by the sounds of taste tests, the clink of glasses during a drink-making segment, and the sharing of culinary techniques. Produced by My Cultura and iHeartPodcasts, this series sits at the perfect intersection of heritage and flavor. Listening feels like being part of a lively, insightful gathering where culture is understood through taste, and history is served in generous, delicious portions. You’ll come away from each episode with a newfound appreciation for the narratives simmering in every pot and pantry.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 98

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