Description
Savory Mexican red rice brings a fiery explosion of authentic flavors straight from Mexico’s culinary heart. Rich spices and tender grains create a perfect side dish that invites you to experience a delicious cultural celebration on your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce (or 2 medium tomatoes, blended)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
Optional Add-ins and Garnish:
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse rice under running water, gently swirling until liquid becomes transparent, ensuring complete drainage.
- Select a medium saucepan and warm cooking oil over moderate heat, introducing rice grains and continuously stirring until they transform into a rich golden hue, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic into the toasted rice, sautéing until aromatic and translucent, releasing their delicate fragrance.
- Pour tomato sauce and broth into the pan, seasoning with salt, ground cumin, freshly cracked black pepper, and vibrant chili powder, stirring to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Allow mixture to reach a gentle bubbling state, then immediately reduce temperature to low, securely covering the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Let rice simmer undisturbed, allowing grains to absorb liquid and develop a tender, fluffy texture, typically requiring 18-22 minutes of patient cooking.
- Once liquid vanishes and rice appears fully cooked, remove from heat and let stand covered for an additional 5 minutes to ensure perfect consistency.
- Fluff rice gently with a fork, distributing moisture evenly and creating light, separate grains ready for serving.
Notes
- Rinsing rice removes excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains instead of sticky clumps.
- Toasting rice develops a nutty, deeper flavor profile that elevates the overall taste of the dish.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt content and adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
- For a gluten-free version, verify that all ingredients like tomato sauce and broth are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg