Cilantro Lime Rice

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups water or chicken broth

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 bay leaf

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Juice of 1 fresh lime

1/2 teaspoon lime zest, optional

Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs mostly clear, then drain it well.

Heat the olive oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Stir in the rice and toast it lightly for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often so it does not burn.

Pour in the water or chicken broth.

Add the salt, black pepper, and bay leaf, then stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid.

Simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Remove and discard the bay leaf.

Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Stir in the chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and lime zest if using.

Serve warm and enjoy the fresh, bright cilantro-lime flavor.

For extra restaurant-style flavor, use chicken broth instead of water and add a pinch of cumin!