Description
This Authentic Mexican Rice recipe delivers fluffy, flavorful rice infused with tomato, garlic, and subtle spices. Perfect as a savory side dish, this vibrant, easy-to-make rice pairs wonderfully with Mexican entrees or can be enjoyed on its own with vegetables.
Ingredients
Rice and Base Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 1/4 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 medium onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce (or 2 pureed tomatoes)
- 2 teaspoons tomato bouillon (granulated or cubes)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1-3 whole serrano peppers (optional)
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the long grain white rice thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside to drain.
- Sauté the Rice: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the rice and stir well to coat all grains. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the rice turns a light golden brown, about 10 minutes. This toasts the rice and adds a nutty flavor.
- Add Flavorings and Vegetables: Stir in the tomato sauce, minced garlic, and finely diced onion. Then add the tomato bouillon, salt, diced carrot, peas, and water. If using, add the whole serrano peppers for subtle flavor without overwhelming spice.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute tomato sauce with 2 fresh pureed tomatoes for a fresher taste.
- Serrano peppers are optional; they impart flavor without adding much heat.
- To keep the rice vegetarian, ensure the tomato bouillon is vegetable-based.
- For a gluten-free version, verify the tomato bouillon does not contain gluten.
- Stir the rice frequently when toasting to prevent burning and ensure even color.
