Description
Authentic Mexican rice sparkles with robust flavors from Mexico’s culinary traditions. Home cooks can quickly prepare this classic side dish that complements numerous main courses and brings warm comfort to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes (with juices) or 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsps vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Rice Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium temperature, gently toasting rice until achieving a golden shade while stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- Aromatics Infusion: Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent, then introduce minced garlic, allowing the ingredients to release their rich fragrance and develop deep flavor profiles.
- Spice Integration: Incorporate ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly and activate their robust essence throughout the rice mixture.
- Liquid Foundation: Pour diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth into the pan, creating a vibrant cooking liquid. Blend ingredients meticulously, ensuring all caramelized particles are fully incorporated.
- Simmering Process: Increase heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, allowing rice to steam and absorb seasoned liquid for 18-20 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed and grains appear tender.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and let rice rest, keeping lid sealed to redistribute moisture. Fluff grains delicately with a fork, creating a light, airy texture. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve alongside zesty lime wedges for an authentic culinary experience.
Notes
- Control Oil Temperature: Toast rice carefully to achieve a golden color without burning, keeping heat at medium and stirring constantly for even browning.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Sauté onions and garlic thoroughly to develop rich, aromatic undertones that elevate the overall taste profile of the Mexican rice.
- Prevent Sticky Texture: Use a fork to fluff rice after cooking, separating grains gently to maintain a light, airy consistency and avoid clumping.
- Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or use brown rice for a whole grain alternative with added nutritional benefits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg