THE MOST DELICIOUS SPANISH RICE EVER

Canadian cheesemonger Afrim Pristine is the world’s youngest maitre fromager, practicing affinage, or the art of aging cheese. In his first cookbook, For the Love of Cheese, Pristine is here to teach you the basics: the best ways to buy and store cheese, how to pair cheeses with beverages and how to create the cheese board of your dreams. Alongside his best dishes are 20 masterpieces from the world’s top chefs, from Daniel Boulud to Chuck Hughes and Bob Blumer.

Unsalted butter, for greasing 1 cup (250 ml) uncooked white rice

4 medium plum tomatoes, halved

½ medium white onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, peeled

¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium serrano pepper, finely chopped

½ cup (125 ml) green peas 2 medium carrots, finely chopped

1 small Yukon potato, peeled and finely chopped

½ cup (125 ml) 14% sour cream 1 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Sea salt

5 oz (140 g) grated Zamorano cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a medium baking sheet with unsalted butter. In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring 2 cups (500 ml) of water to a boil, and stir in the rice. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer for approximately 20 minutes, then remove from the heat. Do not stir.

2. While the rice is cooking, place the tomato halves, onion, and garlic in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping once, until the veggies are evenly browned. Remove from the heat, and let stand at room temperature until completely cool. Puree the roasted vegetables in a blender or food processor. Drain any remaining liquid from the rice.

3. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the serrano pepper, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until tender. Add the rice, pureed vegetables, peas, carrots, potato, and sour cream. Season with cilantro and salt to taste. Cook for approximately 7 minutes, stirring, or until all the vegetables are tender and the rice is browned. Mix in the grated Zamorano cheese. Allow the cheese to melt before serving.