Rice with shrimp and leek

HOW TO MAKE RICE WITH SHRIMP AND LEEK

Step 1: In a saucepan, pour 50 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil, chopped garlic and the butter. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the rice and season with salt. Sir and fry the rice for about 1 minute.

Step 2: Pour the water and boil over medium-high heat. When starts boiling, reduce to low heat and cook the rice about 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 3: Meanwhile, place the shrimp in a saucepan with water seasoned with salt and the unpeeled small onion. Boil over high heat. When starts boiling, reduce to low heat and cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: When the shrimps are cooked, drain them with a skimmer and let cool slightly. Peel the shrimps and set aside.

Step 5: In a large saucepan, pour remaining olive oil, chopped onion and the leek cut into finely slices. Sauté until the onion start to turn slightly golden, stirring occasionally. Add the shrimps and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Add the rice, mix well and cook for more 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 7: Turn off the heat, season with lemon juice and pepper and serve immediately.

TIPS FOR COOKING RICE

1. We usually use long-grain rice or medium-grain rice but you can use another type of rice. Long-grain rice is looser while medium-grain rice is creamier and absorb much more the flavors.
Rice cooking time: about 10 to 12 minutes for long-grain rice and 13 to 15 minutes for medium-grain rice.

2. We fry the rice for about 1 to 2 minutes to gain more flavor and to be looser. Frying the rice will shorten the cooking time.

3. To make the rice tastier, fry the rice in olive oil, chopped garlic and butter (or margarine).

4. The amount of water for the rice depends on each person's taste. The mesure we usually use is 250 ml (about 1 cup) to 300 ml (1 1/3 cups) of water per 100 grams (1/2 cup) rice.

5. Always cook the rice with a lid and over low heat to prevent the rice from burning and sticking to the bottom of the pan.