Hearty Mexican Brown Rice Fiesta
Transform your meal with this Hearty Mexican Brown Rice Fiesta! Perfect for those who seek a flavorful twist on a classic pilaf, this dish celebrates the rich and vibrant tastes of Mexican cuisine. By substituting traditional grains with nutty brown rice, you'll create a wholesome, nutritious side or main that bursts with color and flavor. Packed with wholesome veggies, protein-rich kidney beans, and infused with zesty spices, this delightful recipe is not only satisfying but also a breeze to prepare using basic pantry staples. Serve it up at your next family gathering or enjoy it as a comforting weeknight dinner – your taste buds will thank you!
N/A
Servings
67
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown rice
1 cup (uncooked)
vegetable broth
2 cups (or water)
carrots
2 (coarsely grated)
tomatoes
1 large (diced, cored if preferred)
kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
jalapeno
1 tablespoon (diced)
dried onion
1 1/2 teaspoons (minced)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon
oil
2 teaspoons
apple juice
2 teaspoons
salt and black pepper
(to taste)
fresh cilantro or parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for approximately 40 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
2
While the rice is cooking, prepare the vegetable medley. In a large mixing bowl, combine the coarsely grated carrots, diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed kidney beans, and diced jalapeños. Stir in the dried minced onion and garlic powder, followed by the oil and apple juice. Mix everything until evenly distributed.
3
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and drain any excess liquid if necessary. Add the rice to the bowl with the vegetable mixture, gently folding everything together to combine.
4
Season the pilaf with salt and black pepper to taste, then finally sprinkle the fresh chopped cilantro or parsley over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the fiesta of flavors!
Nutrition Information
1
Fat
12
Carbs
3
Protein
2
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Mexican Brown Rice Fiesta?
It is a flavorful twist on a classic pilaf that uses nutty brown rice, vibrant Mexican-inspired spices, and wholesome vegetables.
What type of rice is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked brown rice.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains 67 calories.
Is this Mexican rice recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is tagged as vegetarian and uses vegetable broth as the cooking liquid.
How much protein is in this recipe?
The dish contains 3 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of beans are used in this fiesta rice?
One 15-ounce can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed, is used for protein and texture.
How long does the brown rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer for approximately 40 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
Can I use something other than vegetable broth?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 cups of vegetable broth with 2 cups of water if preferred.
What vegetables are needed for the medley?
You will need 2 coarsely grated carrots, 1 large diced tomato, and 1 tablespoon of diced jalapeno.
How much fat is in this dish?
This recipe is low in fat, containing only 1 gram per serving.
What is the fiber content of the Hearty Mexican Brown Rice Fiesta?
This dish provides 2 grams of fiber per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried onions?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried minced onion.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy' recipe and utilizes basic pantry staples.
What herbs are used for garnishing?
You can use 2 tablespoons of either fresh chopped cilantro or parsley to top the dish.
Why do I need to rinse the brown rice?
Rinsing the rice under cold water until it runs clear helps remove excess starch for better texture.
How much apple juice is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of apple juice to be mixed into the vegetable medley.
What spices provide the flavor?
The dish is seasoned with garlic powder, dried minced onion, and salt and black pepper to taste.
Should the rice sit after it finishes cooking?
Yes, you should let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes after removing it from the heat.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is versatile enough to be served as a wholesome side dish or a satisfying main meal.
Is the jalapeno cored or seeded?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of diced jalapeno; you may core it to control the heat level.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be coarsely grated before being added to the vegetable mixture.
What is the primary cooking method used?
The rice is simmered on the stovetop, and the final dish is assembled by folding cooked rice into a raw vegetable medley.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What are the key descriptive tags for this recipe?
Key tags include Mexican, pilaf, healthy, nutrient-rich, and one-pot meal.
Is there any oil in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of oil are stirred into the vegetable and bean mixture.
What is the carbohydrate to protein ratio?
The recipe contains 12 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use fresh cilantro?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends fresh chopped cilantro for the best flavor.
Is this dish considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-pot meal because it is simple to assemble and requires minimal cookware.