Description
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe is a flavorful and simple side dish featuring long grain white rice cooked with tomato sauce, chicken broth, and a blend of spices. Enhanced with peas and carrots, it’s a perfect accompaniment to Mexican meals or any weeknight dinner. The stovetop cooking method ensures a perfectly tender and fluffy rice with a subtle kick of cumin and chili powder.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Base
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup diced carrots
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Toast Rice: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the grains turn lightly golden brown to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Sauté Onions: Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and become translucent, adding sweetness to the dish.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir in the salt, ground cumin, and chili powder, mixing well to combine all the flavors evenly throughout the rice mixture.
- Simmer Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the saucepan tightly and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and soften.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the frozen peas and diced carrots, cover again, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving to separate the grains and achieve a light texture.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Rinse the rice under cold water before cooking to prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder if you prefer a milder or spicier flavor.
- For extra flavor, you can add a small amount of diced bell peppers or corn with the vegetables.
