Mexican Rice Recipe

This Mexican Rice recipe is a classic side dish that brings vibrant flavor and texture to your meals. Made with Mahatma® Extra Long Grain White Rice, this recipe features a blend of sautéed onions, garlic, and aromatic spices, which are then combined with a rich tomato sauce.

The result is a perfectly cooked rice with a beautiful reddish-orange hue and a delightful taste that complements any Mexican dish. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, this Mexican Rice is a great addition to tacos, enchiladas, or as a standalone dish.

Mexican Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups Mahatma® Rice Extra Long Grain White Rice

3 tbsp neutral oil

1/4 onion diced

1 garlic clove crushed

1 tbsp Knorr chicken bouillon

1/2 tsp garlic powder

2 roma tomatoes (makes 8 oz tomato juice)

2 cups hot water

1/4 tsp salt or to taste

3 sprigs cilantro

1 jalapeno

Instructions:

Over medium heat, add the oil to a heavy-bottomed or good quality non-stick pan, then fry the onions and garlic

When the onions and garlic have lightly browned, remove the garlic and set it aside.

Add Mahatma® Rice Extra Long Grain White Rice to the pot and toast the rice in the oil, moving it constantly for about 5 minutes or until it becomes slightly puffy and golden brown.

Add the Knorr chicken bouillon and garlic powder, the mix and continue toasting for another minute.

Blend together the roma tomatoes and fried garlic clove. You should have about 8 oz (1 cup) of tomato sauce.

Add it to the rice, stirring constantly for 30 seconds. The color should change to warm reddish orange color. At this point, watch the heat to make sure the bottom is not burning. Adjust the heat if you need to.

Add the HOT water to the rice. It has to be hot- if the liquid isn’t bubbling on the sides of the pot, your water is not hot enough. Stir in salt to taste at this point if you’re adding. I recommend about 1/4 tsp.

Add the cilantro and jalapeno on top, continue boiling over medium-low heat until some of the water has evaporated. Then turn the heat to the low and cover for 20 minutes. Do NOT lift the lid!

After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. There will be a thin layer of tomato sauce at the top- that is what we want. Just gently fluff & mix it into the rice to distribute evenly.

At this point, the rice is ready if you don’t like overly soft rice. This is good for me, but if you want it more soft & fluffy, cover for another 10 minutes (no heat).

Notes:

Choosing the Right Rice:

Use Mahatma® Extra Long Grain White Rice or a similar long-grain rice for the best texture. Long-grain rice remains fluffy and separate when cooked, ideal for this dish.

Toasting the Rice:

Toasting the rice until it becomes slightly puffy and golden enhances its nutty flavor. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure even toasting.

Tomato Sauce Preparation:

For a richer flavor, blend the tomatoes and fried garlic thoroughly to create a smooth sauce. This helps in distributing the tomato flavor evenly throughout the rice.

Using Hot Water:

Ensure the water is hot when added to the rice. Hot water helps maintain the cooking temperature and promotes even cooking, preventing the rice from becoming mushy.

Avoiding Burnt Bottom:

Keep an eye on the heat after adding the tomato sauce. If the mixture starts to stick to the bottom of the pan, lower the heat to prevent burning.

Seasoning:

Adjust the salt to taste. Remember that the Knorr chicken bouillon adds saltiness, so taste the rice before adding additional salt.

Using Fresh Cilantro and Jalapeno:

Add the cilantro and jalapeno on top of the rice before covering and cooking. This infuses the rice with their flavors without overwhelming it.

Covering and Cooking:

Once you cover the rice, avoid lifting the lid during cooking. This traps steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly.

Fluffing the Rice:

After cooking, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and incorporate the tomato sauce. This step helps achieve a light and fluffy texture.

Adjusting Softness:

If you prefer softer rice, let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes after turning off the heat. This allows the rice to absorb more moisture and become more tender.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of rice, but the texture and cooking time might vary.

Long grain rice, like jasmine or basmati, will work well, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Short grain or instant rice will have different results.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon?

Absolutely! You can use vegetable broth or any other type of broth you prefer.

Adjust the salt accordingly, as broths can vary in sodium content.

Is it necessary to use hot water?

Using hot water helps the cooking process and ensures that the rice cooks evenly.

Cold water can cause the rice to cook unevenly and may extend the cooking time.

Can I make this recipe without cilantro or jalapeno?

Yes, you can omit cilantro and jalapeno if you don’t have them or prefer not to use them.

The recipe will still be flavorful, though the cilantro adds freshness and the jalapeno provides a bit of heat.

What can I use if I don’t have Knorr chicken bouillon?

If you don’t have Knorr chicken bouillon, you can use a different brand of bouillon, or substitute with a teaspoon of chicken base or concentrate.

You can also use a bouillon cube or powder, following package directions for equivalent amounts.

Can I prepare this rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice ahead of time.

Cooked rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, you can use a microwave or a stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the rice?

To adjust spiciness, you can use less jalapeno or remove the seeds before adding it.

You can also add a small amount of chili powder or hot sauce if you want to increase the heat.

Can I substitute the tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes.

Blend 2 ripe tomatoes until smooth to replace the 8 oz of tomato juice.

You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if the consistency is different.

Why did my rice come out mushy?

If the rice is mushy, it might be due to too much liquid or overcooking.

Make sure to measure the water accurately and avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process.

If you want the rice less soft, reduce the cooking time.

How do I store leftover rice?

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheat thoroughly before serving.