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A serving of savory Mexican rice with vegetables.

Classic Mexican Rice

This classic Mexican rice recipe delivers a flavorful and fluffy side dish, perfect for complementing any Mexican-inspired meal. It's packed with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • ½ small onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 jalapeño optional
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Medium saucepan or skillet with tight-fitting lid
  • Fork

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water until the water runs clear.
Cooking
  1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and toasty (5-7 minutes).
  2. Stir in diced onion, minced garlic, and optional jalapeño; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and tomato sauce, then stir in ground cumin and salt; bring to a boil and immediately reduce heat to low.
  4. Cover tightly and simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, resisting the urge to lift the lid.
  5. Remove from heat and let rest, still covered, for 5-10 minutes.
Serving
  1. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, stir in fresh cilantro, and serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can toast the cumin seeds whole and then grind them. Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your desired spice level. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.