Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make homemade Mexican rice recipe featuring long-grain white rice toasted to perfection, simmered in a savory blend of tomato sauce, broth, and warm spices. Perfect as a side dish to complement your favorite Mexican meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice & Aromatics
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Spices
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes, blended)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the long-grain white rice and stir frequently for 5-7 minutes until the rice turns golden and is lightly toasted, enhancing its flavor and texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the toasted rice. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens slightly and the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Add Liquids & Spices: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken or vegetable broth. Add ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt. Stir everything thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff & Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute tomato sauce with blended canned diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
- Adjust salt to your taste preference, especially if using salted broth.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adding a jalapeño or other chili can provide extra heat if desired.
- Letting the rice rest covered at the end improves the texture and helps distribute moisture evenly.
