Description
Spicy Mexican rice delights dinner tables with its rich, aromatic blend of tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant spices. Homemade comfort awaits you in this simple, flavorful side dish that brings warmth and zest to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) long-grain white rice
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 2 medium tomatoes, blended into a puree
Liquid and Cooking Base:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Garnish:
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cleanse the grains thoroughly under cold running water, gently swirling until the liquid becomes transparent, then drain completely to eliminate excess starch.
- Warm oil in a spacious skillet, introducing rice kernels and gently agitating until they transform into a warm, golden-amber hue, monitoring closely to prevent scorching.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions into the toasted grains, sautéing until they become translucent and tender, then introduce minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its aromatic essence.
- Pour tomato puree over the rice mixture, ensuring each grain receives an even coating, and allow the sauce to simmer, concentrating its robust flavors.
- Integrate chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt, stirring to distribute seasonings uniformly, then elevate heat until liquid reaches a vigorous bubble.
- Reduce temperature to minimal setting, seal the skillet with a tight lid, and allow rice to gently steam for approximately 18 minutes without disrupting the cooking process.
- After cooking duration, remove from heat, maintain lid, and permit rice to rest and absorb remaining moisture for 5 minutes.
- Delicately separate rice grains using a fork, scatter fresh cilantro across the surface, and present alongside zesty lime wedges for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Starch Removal Technique: Rinsing rice thoroughly eliminates excess starch, preventing clumpy and sticky texture, ensuring fluffy and separate grains.
- Golden Toasting Trick: Carefully browning rice enhances nutty flavor and adds depth, creating authentic Mexican restaurant-style rice with rich, aromatic profile.
- Liquid Absorption Method: Keep rice covered during simmering to lock in moisture and ensure even cooking, preventing dry or undercooked grains.
- Customization Options: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian version or add diced vegetables like peas and carrots for extra nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg