Mexican rice—oh, the aroma alone transports me back to sunlit plazas bustling with life and laughter. Imagine the vibrant colors dancing on your plate, each grain infused with flavors that spark memories of warm family gatherings and cozy dinners. This isn’t just rice; it’s a heartfelt embrace from the heart of Mexico—simple yet profound, like a comforting old song that never loses its magic.
Steps
- Rinse the rice using a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then set it aside to drain.
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add the rice. Cook, stirring often, until the rice is lightly golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Incorporate tomato sauce, minced garlic, and diced onion into the pan, stirring to combine.
- Add tomato bouillon, salt, carrots, peas, and water (include serrano peppers for extra flavor, if desired) and stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed.
- Remove the pan from heat and allow the rice to rest for 5 minutes. Gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Ingredients
- Long grain white rice
- Canola or vegetable oil
- Small onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 small garlic cloves, minced
- Tomato sauce (or 1-2 fresh tomatoes blended with onion and garlic for an authentic version)
- Tomato bouillon granules or cubes (or substitute with chicken bouillon)
- Water (or chicken broth if not using tomato bouillon)
- Salt
- Optional: Peas and carrots
- Optional: 1-2 Serrano peppers
Nutritional Values
Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 394mg | Potassium: 164mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1865IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.7mg
FAQ
- What type of rice should I use for authentic Mexican rice?
- Long grain white rice is recommended for authentic Mexican rice. Washing the rice beforehand is essential to remove the outer starch, ensuring the rice cooks up fluffy. If you prefer brown rice, increase the liquid by half a cup and extend the cooking time to 40 minutes, following the same resting instructions.
- Can I substitute tomato sauce in the recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute tomato sauce for a more authentic taste by blending 1-2 fresh tomatoes with onion and garlic before adding them to the rice. This provides a fresher and more traditional flavor.
- What can I use if I can’t find tomato bouillon?
- If tomato bouillon is unavailable, you can substitute chicken bouillon for similar flavor and color enhancement in the rice. Alternatively, using chicken broth instead of water can also work.
- How can I adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot?
- The recipe can be adapted for an Instant Pot. Follow the same initial steps of rinsing and toasting the rice, then add all ingredients to your Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for a shorter time, allowing for a quick release.
- How do I ensure the rice stays fluffy and doesn’t clump?
- To maintain fluffy rice, rinse it thoroughly to remove excess starch and toast it well in oil before adding other ingredients. After cooking, let the rice rest for a few minutes before gently fluffing it with a fork rather than stirring, which can cause clumping.
Tips
- Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, preventing the rice from clumping together during cooking.
- Toast for Flavor: Take the time to toast the rice in hot oil until it reaches a golden brown color. This adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Tomato Bouillon for Authenticity: Use tomato bouillon cubes or granules to give the rice its characteristic color and depth of flavor. If unavailable, chicken broth can be a good substitute.
- Rest and Fluff: After cooking, let the rice rest for a few minutes before gently fluffing it with a fork. This helps achieve a fluffy texture, avoiding wet or mushy rice.
Equipment
- Fine Mesh Strainer – Used for rinsing the rice until the water runs clear.
- Instant Pot – If you want to adapt the recipe for Instant Pot Mexican Rice, this equipment would be necessary.
