Craving a side dish that'll transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexico? Look no further! This Easy Mexican Salsa Rice is about to revolutionize your dinner routine with its vibrant flavors, simple preparation, and guaranteed crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary adventurer, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Chopped 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.
- In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rinsed rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Stir the ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with the lid, and let the rice simmer for approximately 18-20 minutes. Do not remove the lid during cooking to maintain proper steam and cooking conditions.
- After the cooking time has elapsed, remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffy.
- Uncover the rice and fluff it gently with a fork, breaking up any clumps and ensuring an even texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Transfer the rice to a serving dish and garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot as a side dish or as a base for other Mexican-inspired recipes.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Key: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy.
- Don't Peek While Cooking: Resist the temptation to lift the lid during simmering. Steam is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked rice.
- Let it Rest: The 5-minute resting period after cooking is essential for absorbing remaining liquid and achieving the ideal texture.
- Customize Your Flavor: Experiment by adding diced jalapeños, green chilies, or a splash of lime juice for extra zest.
- Fresh Cilantro Makes a Difference: Use freshly chopped cilantro for garnish to add a bright, aromatic finish to your dish.
- Broth Substitution: If vegetable broth isn't available, chicken broth or water with an extra pinch of seasoning works well.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
