Savory Mexican Rice Delight
Elevate your meals with this Savory Mexican Rice Delight, a simple yet authentic recipe that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine. This dish features perfectly cooked long-grain rice seasoned with aromatic spices, fresh garlic, and onions, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. It's perfect as a side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal or can be enjoyed on its own. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, this rice will quickly become a favorite in your household. Serve it garnished with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor.
6-10
Servings
120
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
white rice
2 cups (uncooked)
water
3 cups (heated)
pork bouillon cube or vegetable bouillon cube
1 (dissolved in water)
tomato sauce
8 ounces (canned)
oil
4 tablespoons (for frying)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
paprika
1 tablespoon (optional)
chili powder
1/2 tablespoon (optional)
oregano
1/2 tablespoon (optional)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
salt
to taste (optional)
pepper
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating 3 cups of water in a separate pot or microwave until boiling. Add the pork or vegetable bouillon cube to the hot water, stirring to dissolve it completely, creating a flavorful broth.
2
In a large saucepan, heat 4 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 cups of white rice to the pan, stirring frequently until the rice is golden brown. This step enhances the flavor and gives the rice a lovely color.
3
Once the rice is browned, add 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves, and any optional spices like paprika, chili powder, oregano, and cumin. Continue to stir the mixture to ensure that the rice does not burn while the onions turn translucent.
4
Pour in the prepared broth and the 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for 25 minutes without lifting the lid, which helps retain steam for even cooking.
5
After 25 minutes, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid.
6
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. For an extra twist, consider adding a small can of corn at the same time you add the broth and tomato sauce.
Nutrition Information
4.8g
Fat
24g
Carbs
2.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mexican Rice Delight?
Savory Mexican Rice Delight is an authentic and simple recipe featuring long-grain white rice cooked with aromatic spices, fresh garlic, onions, and a rich tomato sauce.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is recommended for this recipe to ensure the grains stay separate and achieve the perfect texture.
How much rice do I need?
You will need 2 cups of uncooked white rice for this recipe.
Why do I need to brown the rice in oil?
Browning the rice in oil enhances its flavor and gives it a lovely golden color before the liquid is added.
Can I use vegetable bouillon instead of pork bouillon?
Yes, you can use either a pork or vegetable bouillon cube based on your dietary preferences.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer on low heat for 25 minutes with the lid closed.
Should I stir the rice while it is simmering?
No, you should keep the lid on and avoid lifting it for 25 minutes to ensure the steam cooks the rice evenly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 10 servings.
What spices are used in Savory Mexican Rice Delight?
The recipe includes garlic, onion, and optional spices like paprika, chili powder, oregano, and cumin.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is savory but can be adjusted to be spicier by adding more chili powder or peppers if desired.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 120 calories per serving of this Mexican rice.
What should I use for garnish?
Freshly chopped cilantro is recommended as a garnish for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Can I add vegetables like corn?
Yes, you can add a small can of corn at the same time you add the broth and tomato sauce for an extra twist.
How much tomato sauce is required?
The recipe requires one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 4.8g of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides about 2.4g of protein.
Is it necessary to let the rice sit after cooking?
Yes, letting the rice sit covered for 5 minutes after removing it from heat helps it absorb any remaining liquid.
How much water do I need to boil?
You need 3 cups of water to create the bouillon broth for the rice.
What kind of oil should I use?
You can use any neutral cooking oil suitable for frying, such as vegetable or canola oil.
How much onion is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
Is the salt and pepper amount fixed?
No, salt and pepper should be added to taste according to your preference.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are approximately 24g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I fluff the rice?
After the rice has rested, use a fork to gently fluff the grains before serving.
Can I use minced garlic from a jar?
Yes, while fresh is great, you can use jarred minced garlic if it is more convenient.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, this savory and flavorful rice is categorized as a comfort food and is great for family meals.
How much cumin is added?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of cumin as an optional spice.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
It is suitable for vegetarians if you choose a vegetable bouillon cube instead of a pork one.
Can I use this as a side dish?
Yes, it is a perfect side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal or can be enjoyed on its own.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 13 ingredients in total for this Savory Mexican Rice Delight.
How do I prepare the bouillon?
Heat 3 cups of water until boiling and stir in the bouillon cube until it is completely dissolved.