Description
This Authentic Mexican Rice recipe offers a flavorful and vibrant side dish featuring fluffy long-grain rice cooked and combined with seasoned diced tomatoes, aromatic spices, fresh cilantro, and melty Mexican Blend cheese. Enhanced with a hint of lime and optional chipotle pepper for smoky heat, it makes a perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (with juice)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ cup Mexican Blend cheese
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lime
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Cook the long-grain white rice according to the package directions, ensuring it turns out fluffy and tender. Once cooked, set the rice aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onions and stir frequently, cooking until the onions have softened and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook the mixture for 1 minute to let the flavors combine, then remove the skillet from the heat to avoid overcooking the tomatoes.
- Combine rice and cheese: Transfer the cooked rice to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Add the Mexican Blend cheese, the minced chipotle pepper if using, chopped fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts through the rice and all ingredients are well blended.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the Mexican rice and garnish with additional chopped cilantro for a fresh and vibrant finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Using long-grain white rice ensures fluffy and separate grains.
- The chipotle pepper adds smoky heat but can be omitted for milder flavor.
- Fresh lime juice brightens the dish and balances the spices.
- Using Mexican Blend cheese provides a creamy texture and authentic flavor, but feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or cheddar.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the cheese used is rennet-free.
