Description
This Authentic Mexican Rice recipe is a vibrant and savory side dish bursting with rich flavors from fresh tomatoes, onions, and spices. Perfectly textured with fluffy long-grain white rice, this colorful dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals, offering a natural, nourishing, and festive complement to your plate. Easy to prepare and adaptable, it is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 medium fresh tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until the grains turn a light golden color. This process develops a nutty flavor and prevents mushiness.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a blender, combine fresh tomatoes, chopped onion, garlic cloves, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth to create a vibrant tomato sauce.
- Cook the Rice with Sauce and Broth: Pour the tomato sauce over the toasted rice and stir for one minute to combine. Add the vegetable broth and natural gelling agent, stirring well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and Garnish: Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or your choice of fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Rinse the rice thoroughly until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Keep heat moderate while toasting rice to avoid burning and ensure even color.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and color.
- Avoid lifting the lid or stirring during cooking to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
- Taste at the end and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Mexican rice, authentic Mexican rice, savory side dish, tomato rice, plant-based rice
