Mexican Red Rice

Growing up, Mexican rice was as common as frijoles (beans), and in my family, rice is a part of almost every dinner meal. Note that this isn’t what is commonly referred to as “Spanish” rice; this is Mexican red rice.

My Mexican red rice recipe calls for a spice called azafrán bolita. Originating from the state of Guanajuato, this spice is the Mexican version of saffron (though not actually related to saffron). It is a ball that is covered with a dark husk; when cracked