Basil-Infused Corn Rice
Experience the delightful combination of sweet corn and fragrant basil in this elevated Mexican rice dish inspired by Marcela Valladolid's family recipe. This Basil-Infused Corn Rice offers a fresh twist on a beloved classic, making it the perfect companion for a variety of traditional Mexican entrees, whether you're soaking up the rich flavors of mole or pairing it with zesty pork in salsa verde. With each bite, you'll savor the delicate balance of flavors that embodies comfort food at its finest. Serve this vibrant side dish at your next gathering and watch it become a favorite among family and friends.
4
Servings
115
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
2 cups (none)
long-grain rice
1 cup (rinsed)
corn kernels
1 cup (fresh or frozen)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
fresh basil
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium pot, combine the water, long-grain rice, and corn kernels. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2
Once boiling, add the unsalted butter and salt. Stir gently to combine and allow the butter to melt completely.
3
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the rice is nearly tender but not fully cooked.
4
After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, still covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This will help the rice absorb the remaining moisture.
5
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then add the freshly chopped basil. Stir well to combine the basil with the rice and vegetables.
6
Serve hot, and enjoy this delicious rice alongside your favorite Mexican dishes, such as Roasted Tomatillo Salmon.
Nutrition Information
3.5g
Fat
18g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Basil-Infused Corn Rice?
Basil-Infused Corn Rice is an elevated Mexican side dish that combines sweet corn and fragrant basil, offering a fresh twist on traditional rice recipes.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the family recipes of Marcela Valladolid and the 'Casa Marcela' style of cooking.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for one cup of long-grain rice for the best texture.
Can I use frozen corn kernels?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen corn kernels for this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this Basil-Infused Corn Rice is a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
What are the main ingredients?
The primary ingredients include water, long-grain rice, corn kernels, unsalted butter, salt, and fresh basil.
How many calories are in a serving of this rice?
Each serving contains approximately 115 calories.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 3.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish offer?
Each serving of the rice provides 2 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 18 grams of carbohydrates.
Should the rice be rinsed before cooking?
Yes, the recipe recommends using one cup of rinsed long-grain rice.
How much water is required for the cooking process?
The recipe requires 2 cups of water.
How much fresh basil should be used?
You should use 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped basil.
When should the basil be added to the rice?
The fresh basil should be stirred in at the end, after the rice has been fluffed with a fork.
What is the initial cooking step?
The first step is to combine water, rice, and corn in a medium pot and bring it to a boil over high heat.
When do I add the butter and salt?
Add the unsalted butter and salt once the water has reached a boil.
How long should the rice simmer?
After reducing the heat to medium-low, the rice should cook covered for approximately 10 minutes.
What should I do after the 10-minute cooking time?
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to absorb any remaining moisture.
What entrees pair well with this rice?
It pairs beautifully with Mexican entrees like mole, pork in salsa verde, or Roasted Tomatillo Salmon.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy-to-make recipe suitable for home cooks.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to better control the sodium levels.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt.
Should the pot be covered during the simmering phase?
Yes, the pot should be covered with a lid while the heat is on medium-low.
How is the corn prepared?
The corn kernels should be removed from the cob if fresh, or measured out if using frozen kernels.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates there is no added sugar in this dish.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
The specific cholesterol count is not provided, though it contains butter which is an animal product.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in the chopped basil.
What texture should the rice have after 10 minutes?
The rice should be nearly tender but not fully cooked before the final 5-minute rest period.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
It features a delicate balance of sweet corn and aromatic basil, categorized as comfort food.