Mexican Fiesta Red Rice
This vibrant Mexican Fiesta Red Rice is a staple in traditional Mexican cuisine, perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. Infused with the rich flavors of tomatoes, onions, and garlic, this dish incorporates colorful vegetables like peas, corn, and carrots, and is gently spiced with serrano chilies for a delightful kick. Best of all, this dish not only tastes heavenly fresh but also makes for excellent leftovers, bringing the flavors of Mexico right to your dinner table. Serve it as a side dish or as a base for your favorite proteins, and enjoy the warm, comforting embrace of home-cooked goodness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
Chopped white onions
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 small (peeled)
Corn or sunflower oil
3-4 tablespoons (for cooking)
Medium grain white rice
1 cup (uncooked)
Peas
1/3 cup (fresh or frozen)
Corn
1/3 cup (fresh or frozen)
Diced peeled carrot
1/3 cup (diced)
Serrano chilies
3 (slit down one side)
Fresh cilantro stems
6 (tied together)
Sea salt
to taste
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the drained whole tomatoes, chopped white onions, and peeled garlic cloves. Blend until smooth to create a rich tomato sauce. Set aside.
2
In a medium saucepan, heat 3-4 tablespoons of corn or sunflower oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 cup of medium grain white rice and stir continuously for about 1 minute, or until the rice starts to become slightly translucent. Avoid browning the rice to maintain its delicate flavor.
3
Gently pour in the prepared tomato mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly. Then add 2 cups of hot water, followed by the peas, corn, diced carrots, slit serrano chilies, tied cilantro stems, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of sea salt.
4
Allow the mixture to come to a boil, shaking the pan to ensure the ingredients are well combined. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more sea salt if needed, then cover the pan.
5
Cook for approximately 10 minutes, then carefully uncover and stir to mix the remaining broth into the rice. Cover again and continue cooking until all of the liquid has been absorbed, which should take about another 10 minutes.
6
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to steam and increase fluffiness. Finally, remove the cilantro stems and chiles before fluffing the rice with a fork.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mexican Fiesta Red Rice?
Mexican Fiesta Red Rice is a traditional staple in Mexican cuisine, known for its vibrant red color and rich flavors of tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
What gives the rice its red color?
The red color comes from a blended sauce made of drained whole canned tomatoes, white onions, and garlic cloves.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is labeled as a vegetarian recipe and uses vegetable-based ingredients like corn or sunflower oil.
What kind of rice should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of medium grain white rice.
Which vegetables are included in Mexican Fiesta Red Rice?
The dish includes peas, corn, and diced peeled carrots.
How do I prepare the tomato base?
Combine the drained whole tomatoes, chopped white onions, and peeled garlic cloves in a blender and blend until smooth.
What type of oil is recommended for cooking?
You should use 3-4 tablespoons of corn or sunflower oil.
How long should I sauté the rice?
Stir the rice continuously for about 1 minute until it starts to become slightly translucent.
Why shouldn't I brown the rice?
You should avoid browning the rice to maintain its delicate flavor.
How much water is needed for 1 cup of rice?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of hot water to be added to the rice and tomato mixture.
Are the serrano chilies chopped?
No, the serrano chilies are slit down one side and added whole to provide flavor and a kick.
What should I do with the cilantro?
Tie 6 fresh cilantro stems together and add them to the pot during cooking, then remove them before serving.
How much sea salt is required?
Start with 1 1/2 teaspoons of sea salt and adjust to taste after the mixture comes to a boil.
What is the first step of the cooking process?
The first step is blending the tomatoes, onions, and garlic into a smooth sauce.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice cooks for approximately 20 minutes in total: 10 minutes before stirring and another 10 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
Should the water be hot or cold when added?
The recipe specifies adding 2 cups of hot water.
Do I need to cover the pan?
Yes, once the heat is reduced to low, the pan should be covered to allow the rice to cook properly.
When should I stir the rice?
Uncover and stir the rice after the first 10 minutes of simmering to mix the remaining broth into the rice.
Why should the rice sit after the liquid is absorbed?
Letting the rice sit covered for an additional 10 minutes allows it to steam, which increases fluffiness.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Remove the cilantro stems and serrano chilies, then fluff the rice with a fork.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh or frozen peas and corn.
What is the heat setting for cooking the rice?
Start with medium-high heat to sauté the rice and bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat to simmer.
Does this dish make good leftovers?
Yes, this dish makes excellent leftovers and brings the flavors of Mexico to your table the next day.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and a 'comfort food' staple.
Can this be served as a main dish?
It is typically a side dish but can also serve as a base for your favorite proteins.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 small peeled garlic cloves.
What size can of tomatoes is needed?
You will need one 14.5-ounce can of whole tomatoes, drained.
Should the carrots be peeled?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/3 cup of diced peeled carrots.
How many cilantro stems are needed?
The recipe requires 6 fresh cilantro stems tied together.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory, comforting dish infused with tomato, garlic, and onion, with a slight kick from serrano chilies.