Description
Spicy Mexican Rice Delight brings zesty flavors straight from Mexican kitchens to your dinner table. Fragrant rice mingles with bold spices, creating a mouthwatering side dish that elevates any meal with authentic southwestern charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 small Roma tomatoes, quartered
- ½ small white onion, roughly chopped
- 2 whole garlic cloves
Seasoning and Liquids:
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant tomato base by pulverizing ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, crisp onion, and cool water in a blender for 1-2 minutes until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Carefully set aside 1 of this crimson elixir for the rice preparation.
- Activate a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and introduce fragrant oil. Gently cascade raw rice grains into the shimmering pan, stirring continuously to ensure each kernel transforms into a golden-hued, toasted morsel.
- Pour the reserved tomato sauce into the pan with the toasted rice, creating a harmonious blend. Allow the mixture to gently simmer and thicken for approximately 5 minutes, developing deep, rich flavors.
- Stream vegetable broth into the pan, bringing the entire mixture to a robust boil. Immediately reduce heat to the lowest setting, securely cover the pan, and let the rice steam quietly for 15-20 minutes, peeking at the 15-minute mark to assess liquid absorption.
- After cooking, remove from heat and delicately separate rice grains using a fork. Drape the pan with its lid and let the rice rest for an additional 10 minutes, allowing residual steam to complete the cooking process and enhance texture.
Notes
- Tomato sauce preparation is the secret to rich, authentic Mexican rice flavor, blending fresh ingredients for a vibrant base.
- Toasting rice before cooking creates a nutty, deeper taste and prevents clumping, ensuring each grain stays separate and perfectly cooked.
- Simmering the tomato sauce helps concentrate flavors and creates a beautiful color that infuses throughout the entire rice dish.
- Use low heat and a tight-fitting lid to guarantee perfectly steamed rice without burning or sticking to the pan bottom.
- Letting the rice rest after cooking allows moisture to redistribute, resulting in fluffy, light grains with ideal texture.
- Fresh vegetable broth elevates the overall taste, adding depth and complexity to this classic Mexican rice recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg