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Mexican Rice Recipe (Easy and Flavorful) Recipe

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4.1 from 33 reviews

This easy and flavorful Mexican Rice recipe features perfectly cooked rice simmered with aromatic vegetables, tomato sauce, and spices. It’s a vibrant side dish that complements any Mexican meal or can be enjoyed on its own as a comforting staple.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

Optional Garnish

  • Finely chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Wash rice: Thoroughly rinse and drain the rice using a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch which helps to keep the grains fluffy and separate when cooked.
  2. Cook veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and finely diced jalapeno. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the onions become translucent and vegetables are fragrant.
  3. Toast rice: Add the rice to the pan and continue to sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This toasts the rice slightly and adds a nutty flavor while helping the grains stay separate during cooking.
  4. Simmer: Stir in the cumin, kosher salt to taste, tomato sauce, and broth. Mix everything well and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the saucepan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
  5. Fluff and garnish: Remove the pan from heat. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, separating the grains. Optionally, garnish with finely chopped cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Be sure to seed the jalapeno carefully if you want to reduce the heat level.
  • Using chicken broth will add richness, while vegetable broth keeps the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese as a garnish.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/mexican-rice-recipe-easy-and-flavorful-recipe/