Mexican Rice Recipe
Mexican Rice Recipe
Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a flavorful and aromatic side dish made with long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It pairs wonderfully with many Mexican dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, and grilled meats.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional, for extra texture)
Instructions:
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Rinse the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess starch. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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Toast the Rice:
- Add the rinsed rice to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir well to coat the rice with the oil, and toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is lightly golden.
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Add the Tomato Sauce:
- Stir in the tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes), cumin, chili powder (if using), paprika, and salt. Mix well.
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Add the Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
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Optional Vegetables:
- If using peas and carrots, stir them into the rice about 5 minutes before the rice is finished cooking. This allows them to cook through without overcooking.
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Fluff and Serve:
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of saffron or a dash of lime juice at the end.
- If you prefer a more authentic Mexican flavor, you can substitute chicken broth with homemade or store-bought Mexican-style chicken broth.
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