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Easy Mexican Rice

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Author
Pixicook editorial team

A simple and flavorful recipe for traditional Mexican rice.

Ingredients for Easy Mexican Rice

units in
USchevron
serves
6 peoplechevron

Long Grain White Rice

cups

Tomato, cored and quartered

each

Jalapeño Chile, stemmed, halved, and seeded

each

Salt

to taste

Black Pepper

to taste

Garlic Clove, chopped

each

Tomato Paste

tablespoons

Fresh Cilantro, chopped

cups

Lime Wedge

to taste

How to Make Easy Mexican Rice

1. Rinse Rice

Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water for about one and a half minutes until the water runs clear.

2. Prepare Tomato Mixture

In a food processor, combine the tomato, jalapeño, 1.5 teaspoons of salt, garlic, and 0.25 teaspoon of pepper. Process for about 30 seconds until smooth. Stir to deflate foam and add enough chicken broth to equal 2.5 cups of liquid.

3. Toast Rice

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the rinsed rice and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the edges of the rice are translucent.

4. Add Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute until the rice is uniformly colored.

5. Cook Rice

Pour in the tomato mixture, bring it to a boil, give it a quick stir, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 20 minutes.

6. Rest and Fluff

Remove the pan from the heat but keep it covered. Let it stand for 10 minutes.

7. Finish and Serve

Stir in the chopped cilantro and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the rice to a serving bowl and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Variations

Spicy Chipotle Mexican Rice

Use a chipotle-based salsa or add chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor.

Protein-Enhanced Mexican Rice

Incorporate cooked chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or flaked fish after simmering with salsa.

Cilantro-Lime Mexican Rice

Stir in fresh chopped cilantro and lime juice after cooking for a zesty flavor profile.

Toast the Rice

Toast rice in a dry pan or with oil until golden brown for a nuttier flavor and added dimension.

Stuffed Peppers with Mexican Rice

Use the rice as a filling for bell peppers, bake with cheese, and serve with sour cream.

Pitfalls and tips

Quality Salsa

Use high-quality or homemade salsa, and consider roasting ingredients for depth.

Liquid Ratios

Use about 1 ¾ cups of liquid per cup of rice, adjusting based on salsa consistency.

Rice Selection

Use long-grain white rice like Basmati or Jasmine for a fluffier texture.

Avoid Stirring

Do not stir while simmering to prevent breaking grains and releasing starch.

Rinsing the Rice

Rinse until the water runs clear to prevent stickiness and gumminess.

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