What is the history of this dish?
Rice is considered one of the oldest foods in the world; and just like many of its types, it originates from China. Through the expansion of rice worldwide, various recipes with local ingredients were developed.
It is said that rice began to be cultivated in the Oriental continent more than 3,000 years ago.
After reaching India, rice became a staple food for this people and the entire continent. There are rumors that types of rice arrived in the Iberian Peninsula thanks to the Byzantines; although it is not known exactly when rice was first cultivated in Mexico, there are old Mexican cookbooks that already include rice dishes.
It goes without saying that Mexicans love rice; in fact, it can be found in many recipes within their cuisine. Legend has it that Mexican-style rice was first prepared by humble people who decided to combine red tomato salsa with rice; thus creating the first version of Mexican-style rice.
Characteristics and Variants
Also known as red rice, it is a Mexican dish made with rice accompanied by tomato salsa, often with added garlic, onion, and chiles to give it that strong Mexican flavor. It is typically served alongside corn, cheese, and sometimes tamales.
In Iran, there is a similar dish called Persian Tomato Rice, where the ingredients include rice and tomatoes, with green beans added for flavor.
