Description
Authentic Mexican Rice is a flavorful side dish made with long grain white rice toasted to a light golden brown, cooked in a savory tomato-based broth with garlic, onion, carrots, peas, and optional serrano peppers for a subtle flavor boost. This recipe delivers fluffy, aromatic rice perfect for accompanying Mexican meals or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Rice and Aromatics
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 medium onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce or 2 pureed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons tomato bouillon (granulated or cubes)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Vegetables
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
Liquids and Spices
- 3 cups water
- 1-3 whole serrano peppers (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer under running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set the rice aside to drain.
- Toast the rice: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the drained rice and stir continuously with a spoon or spatula. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the rice becomes lightly golden brown all over, which enhances its flavor.
- Add aromatics and vegetables: Stir in the tomato sauce, minced garlic, and finely diced onion to the toasted rice. Mix in the tomato bouillon, salt, diced carrot, peas, and if using, add 1 to 3 whole serrano peppers for subtle flavor without adding much heat.
- Cook the rice: Pour in the 3 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the water is completely absorbed by the rice.
- Rest and fluff: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This final rest allows the steam to finish cooking the rice evenly. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky.
- Toasting the rice before cooking adds a nutty flavor and helps keep the grains separate.
- Serrano peppers are optional and generally used whole to infuse flavor without much spiciness; remove before serving if desired.
- Use tomato bouillon to add a rich tomato and umami flavor; if unavailable, substitute with vegetable or chicken bouillon.
- For a vegetarian version, opt for vegetable bouillon and check that the tomato sauce ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
