Savory Mexican Tomato Rice
Forget the bland, mushy rice that often accompanies Mexican meals. Our Savory Mexican Tomato Rice elevates the humble grain into a vibrant and flavorful dish that deserves the spotlight. This rendition features long-grain rice perfectly cooked in a spiced tomato stock, infused with fresh lime juice for a citrusy kick. With a harmonious blend of sautéed onions, serrano chilies, and garlic, this rice is bursting with authentic Mexican flavors that complement any meal, making it a delightful vegetarian addition to burritos, tacos, or served alongside your favorite proteins. It’s so good, it may just outshine your main course!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons
onion
1 medium, finely chopped
serrano chilies
2, stemmed and seeded
garlic cloves
2, chopped
long-grain rice
3 cups, rinsed
whole tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large, heavy saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, stemmed and seeded serrano chilies, and chopped garlic. Sauté the mixture, stirring constantly, until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the rinsed long-grain rice and continue to sauté the mixture until the rice turns a light golden brown, approximately 5 minutes.
4
While the rice is browning, blend the whole tomatoes, salt, and fresh lime juice in a blender until smooth.
5
Once the rice is golden, pour the tomato puree and 1 1/2 cups of water into the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
6
Transfer the rice mixture into a 4-quart baking dish or casserole. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
8
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes, still covered. After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mexican Tomato Rice?
Savory Mexican Tomato Rice is a flavorful side dish featuring long-grain rice cooked in a spiced tomato stock infused with lime juice, onions, garlic, and serrano chilies.
Is this Mexican rice recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it uses vegetable oil and water instead of animal-based fats or broths.
What type of rice should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifies long-grain rice, which helps ensure the grains stay separate and fluffy rather than becoming mushy.
How do I prevent the rice from being mushy?
To prevent mushiness, rinse the rice to remove excess starch and sauté it in oil until light golden brown before adding any liquid.
Is Savory Mexican Tomato Rice spicy?
The rice has a kick from two serrano chilies, but the heat can be adjusted by removing the seeds or using fewer peppers.
What size baking dish is needed for this recipe?
You should use a 4-quart baking dish or casserole to accommodate the rice and liquid comfortably.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
Yes, you can substitute the 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes with an equivalent weight of blanched and peeled fresh tomatoes.
Why do I need to sauté the onion and garlic first?
Sautéing these aromatics for about 5 minutes helps release their flavors and creates a fragrant base for the rice.
What is the purpose of browning the rice in oil?
Browning the rice adds a nutty flavor and creates a protective coating on the grains that helps them maintain their shape during baking.
Can I substitute serrano chilies with jalapeños?
Yes, jalapeños can be used as a substitute for serrano chilies if you prefer a slightly milder heat level.
Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?
Yes, rinsing the rice is a key step to remove surface starch and ensure the final dish is not overly sticky.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the rice mixture inside.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice to provide a citrusy kick.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already naturally vegan as it contains no animal products or by-products.
How long does the rice need to bake?
The rice should bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the liquid has been fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
Why is it important to let the rice rest after baking?
Resting for 10 minutes allows the moisture to redistribute evenly throughout the dish, making the rice easier to fluff.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender for the tomato puree?
Yes, a food processor can be used to blend the tomatoes, salt, and lime juice until they are smooth.
What should I serve with this Mexican rice?
It is an excellent accompaniment to burritos, tacos, enchiladas, or grilled proteins like chicken or fish.
Can I add other vegetables like peas or carrots?
Yes, you can stir in cooked peas, diced carrots, or corn after fluffing the rice for extra texture and color.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this rice?
Yes, this rice freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
What is Arroz Rojo?
Arroz Rojo is the Spanish name for Red Rice, which is exactly what this savory tomato-based Mexican rice is.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, olive oil can be used, though vegetable oil is more traditional for its neutral flavor profile.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, which is blended directly into the tomato mixture.
Why do I need to cover the dish with aluminum foil?
The foil traps steam inside the baking dish, which is necessary to cook the rice grains until they are tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this Savory Mexican Tomato Rice are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use brown rice with the same instructions?
No, brown rice requires more liquid and a significantly longer cooking time than long-grain white rice.
What should I do if the rice is still hard after 45 minutes?
If the rice is still hard, add a splash of hot water, reseal the foil tightly, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Can I use chicken broth instead of water?
Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of water for even more depth of flavor, though the dish will no longer be vegetarian.
What does it mean to 'fluff the rice'?
To fluff rice, use a fork to gently lift and separate the grains, allowing steam to escape and preventing the rice from clumping.