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Mexican Rice Recipe: Easy Fresh Tomatoes and Cilantro for Perfect Side Dish

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This Mexican rice recipe features fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and a simple sauté technique for perfectly fluffy, flavorful rice. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing side dish ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or any meal needing a vibrant boost.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 medium fresh tomatoes, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 small white onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 cup green peas
  • Optional: 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • Optional: 1 small jalapeño, minced

Instructions

  1. Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for about 1 minute until water runs mostly clear.
  2. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add rinsed rice and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until grains look opaque and pale gold.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 more minutes until onions are translucent.
  4. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and release juices.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth, salt, cumin (if using), and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Add optional veggies (peas, bell pepper, jalapeño) if desired.
  6. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes (35-40 minutes for brown rice).
  7. Once liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, remove pan from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  8. Uncover, add chopped cilantro and lime juice. Fluff rice gently with a fork to mix in herbs.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime if needed.
  10. Serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Notes

Rinsing the rice and sautéing before simmering ensures fluffy, non-gummy grains. Use fresh tomatoes for best flavor and texture. Let rice rest after cooking for optimal fluffiness. Substitute parsley or basil for cilantro if preferred. For gluten-free, confirm broth is safe. Optional veggies add color and nutrition. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican rice, cilantro rice, tomato rice, easy side dish, vegetarian, gluten-free, potluck, fluffy rice, healthy Mexican recipes

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/mexican-rice-recipe-easy-fresh-tomatoes-and-cilantro-for-perfect-side-dish/