Savory Mexican Cilantro Rice
Elevate your dinner table with this Savory Mexican Cilantro Rice! This vibrant and flavorful dish, inspired by The Pioneer Woman, is a perfect companion for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. The aromatic blend of onion and garlic sautéed in canola oil creates a rich base that pairs beautifully with the zesty Kick of Rotel tomatoes and the warmth of cumin and cayenne. The addition of fresh cilantro at the end brightens up this dish and brings a fresh twist. Easy to prepare and simply delicious, this rice will quickly become a staple in your home. Serve it alongside Beef and Bean Burritos for a hearty meal that your family will love!
6
Servings
183
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
canola oil
2 tablespoons
onion
1 large, chopped
garlic cloves
3, minced
long-grain rice
2 cups
Rotel tomatoes & chilies
10 ounces
whole tomatoes
14 1/2 ounces
ground cumin
1 teaspoon ((or more to taste))
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
kosher salt
1 teaspoon
low sodium chicken broth
2-3 cups
fresh cilantro
for garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2
Reduce the heat to low and add the long-grain rice, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes to lightly toast the rice without burning it.
3
Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, whole tomatoes, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Mix well and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Pour in 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
5
Check the rice periodically and add more broth as needed to ensure that it does not become sticky. The rice should be fluffy when done.
6
Just before serving, generously sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of freshness and color. Enjoy your delicious Mexican Cilantro Rice!
Nutrition Information
3
Fat
30
Carbs
3
Protein
1
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mexican Cilantro Rice?
It is a vibrant and flavorful side dish inspired by The Pioneer Woman, featuring long-grain rice, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by The Pioneer Woman.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in Savory Mexican Cilantro Rice?
The main ingredients include long-grain rice, canola oil, onion, garlic, Rotel tomatoes, whole tomatoes, cumin, cayenne, chicken broth, and fresh cilantro.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 183 calories per serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a zesty kick from the Rotel tomatoes and chilies as well as the cayenne pepper.
What kind of rice should I use?
Long-grain rice is recommended for this recipe.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Why do I need to toast the rice?
Toasting the rice for about 3 minutes helps develop flavor and prevents it from becoming overly mushy.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for a 10-ounce can of Rotel tomatoes and chilies and a 14.5-ounce can of whole tomatoes.
How much cumin is added to the rice?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, or more to taste.
What kind of broth is used?
The recipe specifies 2-3 cups of low sodium chicken broth.
How long does the rice take to simmer?
The rice should simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
When do I add the fresh cilantro?
Generously sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top just before serving.
What can I serve with Mexican Cilantro Rice?
It is perfect with tacos, burritos, or grilled meats, particularly Beef and Bean Burritos.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 3 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming sticky?
Check the rice periodically and add more broth as needed to ensure it remains fluffy.
How much cayenne pepper should I use?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
What oil is best for this recipe?
Two tablespoons of canola oil are used to sauté the ingredients.
Does this recipe contain garlic?
Yes, it uses 3 minced garlic cloves.
How much fiber is in a serving?
There is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is described as easy to prepare and a great staple for any home.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized under Long Grain Rice.
Can I adjust the salt level?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, but you can adjust to your preference.
Is this rice vegetarian?
The recipe is tagged as vegetarian, but you should ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if adhering to a strict vegetarian diet.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include mexican rice, cilantro rice, side dish, pioneer woman, and spicy rice.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by heating canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sautéing the onion and garlic.