Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a vibrant and flavorful side dish that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico! This Mexican Rice recipe, inspired by the culinary creativity of Susan Freeman, is not only incredibly easy to make but also packed with delicious flavors that will leave your family and friends begging for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 25 minutes of your time, you can whip up a dish that complements any main course and adds a festive flair to your table. Dive into this recipe and discover how simple it is to create a mouthwatering Mexican classic that will impress everyone!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the oil, which enhances its nutty flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and salt over the mixture, stirring to distribute the seasonings throughout.
- Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- After cooking time, remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and release excess steam.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy hot as a side dish or accompaniment to main courses.
Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Don’t skip rinsing your long-grain rice! This crucial step removes excess starch, ensuring your rice is fluffy and not sticky.
- Sauté for Flavor: Toasting the rice in olive oil before adding the liquids enhances its nutty flavor and adds depth to your dish. Keep stirring to prevent burning!
- Use Quality Broth: For the best flavor, opt for a high-quality chicken broth. You can even use homemade broth for a richer taste.
- Adjust the Heat: After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat gradually to avoid burning the rice. A low simmer is key to perfectly cooked grains.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the rice to rest off the heat for a few minutes after cooking helps it firm up and makes it easier to fluff.
- Garnish Creatively: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and flavor, but feel free to experiment with other garnishes like lime wedges or avocado for a twist!
- Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed hot, so serve it right after fluffing for maximum flavor and enjoyment!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
