Description
Savor authentic Mexican rice that brings zesty flavors straight from traditional kitchens. Perfectly seasoned grains offer a delightful side dish you’ll crave at every meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes (with juices) or 1 cup tomato sauce
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (Optional):
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, warm vegetable oil over medium heat and gently toast rice until it develops a delicate golden hue, stirring consistently to prevent burning.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and softened, then incorporate minced garlic, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant essence.
- Sprinkle ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper into the pan, stirring continuously to awaken the spices’ robust flavors and distribute them evenly.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth, creating a vibrant liquid base. Thoroughly blend ingredients, ensuring any caramelized remnants are lifted from the pan’s bottom.
- Elevate heat to trigger a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan with a snug lid, allowing rice to steam and absorb the seasoned liquid for approximately 18-20 minutes.
- Once liquid is completely absorbed and rice appears tender, remove from heat. Allow the rice to rest, maintaining its covered state, which helps redistribute moisture and complete the cooking process.
- Delicately separate rice grains using a fork, creating a light and fluffy texture. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve alongside zesty lime wedges for an authentic Mexican dining experience.
Notes
- Toasting rice before cooking intensifies its nutty flavor and prevents clumping, creating a more authentic Mexican rice texture.
- Use long-grain white rice for the best results, as it maintains a fluffy consistency and separates easily when cooked.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder and cumin to match personal heat preferences or dietary needs.
- For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth without compromising the rich, complex flavor profile of the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg