Aromatic Mexican-Style White Rice
This aromatic and flavorful Mexican-Style White Rice brings a taste of traditional cuisine with a fragrant blend of spices and herbs. It’s perfect for pairing with your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes or can be uniquely gifted as a homemade rice mix. With a fusion of warm chili powder, earthy cumin, and the vibrant addition of chopped cilantro, this recipe transforms simple white rice into an unforgettable side dish.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
2 1/2 cups (none)
chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons (none)
dried onion
1 tablespoon (none)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (to taste)
rice
1 1/4 cups (none)
chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (optional)
Instructions
1
In a 2-quart pot, combine the water, chicken bouillon granules, dried onion, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, stir in the rice and immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid to trap the steam.
4
Cook the rice for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process to ensure perfect texture.
5
Once done, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
6
Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork gently, and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro, if using.
7
Serve the rice warm, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aromatic Mexican-Style White Rice?
It is a flavorful side dish featuring a blend of chili powder, cumin, and fresh cilantro.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What are the main spices in this rice?
The rice uses a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
How much water is needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of water.
How long does it take to cook the rice?
The rice takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes to cook, plus 5 minutes of steaming time.
Is the cilantro required?
No, the chopped fresh cilantro is listed as optional but adds a vibrant flavor.
What type of bouillon is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon granules.
How much rice is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of rice.
Can I use fresh onion?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of dried onion for the aromatic mix.
Is this rice spicy?
It contains chili powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper, providing a mild heat that can be adjusted to taste.
What size pot should I use?
A 2-quart pot is recommended for combining the ingredients and cooking the rice.
Do I need to boil the water first?
Yes, you should bring the water and spice mixture to a vigorous boil before adding the rice.
Should I stir the rice while it cooks?
No, once the heat is reduced to low and the pot is covered, you should avoid lifting the lid or stirring.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in the optional cilantro.
Can I gift this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can be uniquely gifted as a homemade dry rice mix.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cumin.
What is the purpose of letting the rice sit for 5 minutes?
Letting the rice sit covered allows it to steam, ensuring a perfect texture.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is paprika included in the spice blend?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of paprika.
How do I ensure the spices are evenly distributed?
Stir the water and spice mixture well before bringing it to a boil.
What temperature should I cook the rice at?
After the initial boil, the rice should be cooked on low heat.
How much chili powder is added?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, you can garnish the rice with extra cilantro if desired.
What makes this rice Mexican-style?
The use of cumin, chili powder, and cilantro gives it a traditional Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
How much cayenne pepper should I use?
Use one pinch of cayenne pepper, or adjust to your personal taste.
What should the water look like before adding rice?
The water should be at a vigorous boil before stirring in the rice.
Is this a side dish?
Yes, it is perfect for pairing with your favorite Mexican-inspired main courses.
How many total ingredients are there?
The recipe consists of 10 ingredients.
What is the preparation for the cilantro?
The cilantro should be fresh and chopped before being stirred into the cooked rice.
What texture should the finished rice have?
The finished rice should be tender with all the liquid fully absorbed.