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Easy Mexican Rice

A colorful blend of rice and spices that embodies the essence of Mexican cuisine, perfect as a side dish for any meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

For the Rice
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth Homemade broth enhances flavor
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil For sautéing
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper (any color), diced For color and crunch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh cilantro Optional
  • for serving Lime wedges Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add the rice to the saucepan, stirring frequently. Toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes until it’s slightly golden.
  5. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring well to ensure the rice is coated with the spices.
  6. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  8. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish!

Notes

Rinse rice to remove excess starch for fluffiness. Consider adding cooked beans or grilled chicken for a heartier meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.