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Fresh Mexican Rice with Tomatoes and Cilantro

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A quick and easy fresh Mexican rice recipe featuring sautéed garlic, ripe tomatoes, and bright cilantro. Perfect as a flavorful side dish for taco nights, potlucks, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (about 300g), rinsed until water runs clear
  • 2 medium fresh tomatoes, finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (loosely packed)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth (720ml)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well.
  2. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Dice the tomatoes to yield about 1 ½ cups.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. Add the rinsed rice and stir constantly for about 5 minutes until the rice turns light golden and smells nutty.
  5. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the rice. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  6. Stir in the diced tomatoes and 1 teaspoon ground cumin. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes break down slightly.
  7. Pour in 3 cups of broth and stir to combine. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
  8. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over high heat. Then reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
  9. Simmer the rice undisturbed for 18-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
  10. Turn off the heat and keep the pan covered. Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes to finish cooking with steam.
  11. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tablespoon lime juice if desired.
  12. Adjust salt or lime juice to taste and serve warm.

Notes

If rice seems wet after cooking, leave uncovered on low heat for a few minutes to evaporate excess moisture. Use fresh tomatoes for best flavor. Do not lift lid while simmering to ensure perfect texture. Rinsing rice is essential for fluffiness. Can substitute brown rice but increase cooking time and broth amount.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican rice, fresh tomatoes, cilantro, side dish, easy recipe, quick rice, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan option

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/fresh-mexican-rice-with-tomatoes-and-cilantro-recipe-easy-perfect-side-dish/