Description
Mexican Rice, a classic side dish from Mexico, brings hearty comfort to dinner tables. Fluffy grains seasoned with tomato and spices invite home cooks to savor rich culinary traditions you’ll love exploring.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml/16 fl oz) chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups (300 g/10.5 oz) long-grain white rice
- 2 medium tomatoes, blended into a puree
- ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp chili powder (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Grain Preparation: Rinse rice under cold water, swirling until water runs clear, then drain completely to remove excess starch.
- Toasting Phase: Heat oil in a large skillet, add rice, and toast until grains turn golden-amber, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Aromatic Infusion: Introduce diced onions and cook until translucent, then add minced garlic, stirring briefly to release fragrant notes.
- Sauce Integration: Pour tomato puree over rice, ensuring even coating, and allow sauce to simmer and concentrate flavors.
- Seasoning and Liquid Addition: Mix in chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly, then bring to a robust boil.
- Steaming Process: Reduce heat to low, cover skillet tightly, and let rice steam undisturbed for 18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and grains are tender.
- Resting and Finishing: Remove from heat, keep covered for 5 minutes, then fluff rice with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Remove excess starch by washing rice until water runs clear, preventing sticky or clumpy texture.
- Toast Rice Carefully: Golden-brown color develops deeper flavor, but watch closely to avoid burning; constantly stir for even coloration.
- Layer Seasonings Strategically: Add onions before garlic to build complex flavor profile and prevent garlic from burning or becoming bitter.
- Steam with Precision: Keep lid sealed during cooking to trap steam; resist lifting cover to ensure perfect rice texture and even moisture distribution.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg