THE REAL SCOOP

Welcome to The Real Scoop. A blog that inspires to be inspiring. 

Dinner inspo meets travel nostalgia…

One of my favorite memories from a trip to Costa Rica with my sister?

The rice. Seriously. Nearly every meal came with a scoop of warm, flavorful Arroz a la Jardinera—loaded with veggies, spices, and love. 

I finally tried recreating it at home (with a few easy swaps—instant rice + wok style!) and it totally brought me back. I just had to share the recipe with you!

Arroz a la Jardinera (Wok Version with Instant Jasmine Rice & Achiote Substitute)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 cups cooked rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups instant jasmine rice
   

• 2 cups water or chicken broth
   

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or oil of your choice)
   

• 1 teaspoon salt
   

• 1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped
   

• 1/8 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
   

• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
   

• 1/4 cup carrot, finely chopped
   

• 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
   

• 2 tablespoons paprika (sweet or smoked) + 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  (This combo mimics the earthy color and flavor of achiote if you can’t find the real thing)
   

Instructions:

1. Heat the wok over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Swirl to coat the bottom evenly.
    

2. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, red pepper, and cilantro to the wok along with the paprika and turmeric. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant and the veggies begin to soften.
    

3. Pour in the water or broth, bring to a boil, then stir in the instant jasmine rice and salt.
    

4. Reduce heat to low, cover the wok, and simmer according to the package instructions (usually 5 minutes for instant rice).
    

5. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork to evenly mix the veggies and seasoning.
    

6. Serve hot, and enjoy a quick Costa Rican-inspired meal from your stovetop!
    

Now it’s your turn!

Think of a meal you loved while traveling—maybe it was a pasta dish in Italy, spicy street food in Thailand, or fresh fish tacos on a beach in Mexico.

? Try to find or recreate the recipe at home.
? Snap a photo of your attempt.
? Share your travel food memory with us!

Tag us at @CoreRealtyGB or use #CoreRealtyCooks so we can see your creations!

Let’s keep those travel memories alive—one dish at a time.