Cheesy rice (Arroz Mineiro)

Traditionally, this recipe is made with Queijo Mineiro but it is hard to find this cheese in Europe or North-America. Use a soft and very young cheese instead.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of long grain rice per person
• according to taste: garlic, paprika power and chilipepper
• oil for frying
• salt
• water
• 100 gr of cheese per person.

Preparation:
Inspect your rice for stones or odd kernels. Bring water to a boil, preferably in a cordless jug kettle. Cut the cheese and chilipepper in small pieces.

Heat some oil. Crush the garlic and fry it with the paprika powder and the chilipepper. Add the rice. Keep stirring until all rice is oiled. Add enough hot water to cover your rice. Add salt to taste. Bring to a boil, lower heat and cover. Check regularely if your rice is ready. Add some hot water if more water is needed so that the rice does not dry out.

When your rice is ready, take it off the fire. Mix it with the cheese when it is still hot enough to melt the cheese.