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Fresh Mexican Rice Recipe with Tomatoes and Cilantro

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A quick and easy homemade Mexican rice recipe featuring fresh tomatoes and cilantro, perfect as a flavorful side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (270 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: squeeze of fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. Heat olive oil in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and toast, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until light golden brown and nutty smelling.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the rice. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and garlic is fragrant.
  4. Stir in ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and diced tomatoes. Cook for another 3 minutes until tomatoes start breaking down.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
  7. Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in chopped cilantro and optional lime juice. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Rinsing the rice is essential to avoid gummy texture. Toasting the rice adds a nutty flavor. Avoid lifting the lid during simmering to keep steam trapped. If rice is dry, add a tablespoon of broth and fluff again; if too wet, cook uncovered on low heat for a few minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican rice, fresh rice recipe, tomatoes, cilantro, easy side dish, homemade Mexican rice, quick rice recipe

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/fresh-mexican-rice-recipe-with-tomatoes-and-cilantro-easy-homemade-guide/