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Zesty Mexican Rice Delight Recipe

Zesty Mexican Rice Delight Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spice-packed Mexican Rice Delight brings fiesta flavors dancing across your plate with bold, authentic ingredients. Aromatic seasonings and fresh herbs promise a culinary journey that will transport taste buds straight to Mexico’s vibrant kitchens.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups brown rice
  • 3 ½ cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
  • 2 large tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup frozen corn

Protein and Vegetable Base:

  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 1 medium red pepper, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium jalapeño pepper, minced

Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ cup cilantro, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (preferably fresh)

Instructions

  1. Warm a medium pot over medium-high heat and pour cooking oil to create a shimmering base for sautéing vegetables.
  2. Gently introduce diced onion, vibrant red pepper, and shredded carrot into the heated oil, stirring and allowing them to caramelize and soften for approximately 5 minutes until the onion turns golden and translucent.
  3. Infuse the sautéed vegetables with aromatic minced garlic and ground cumin, letting the spices release their intense flavors for about 1 minute while creating a fragrant foundation.
  4. Pour chicken or vegetable stock into the pot, creating a flavorful liquid environment for the grains to absorb.
  5. Incorporate brown rice, sea salt, diced tomatoes, and finely chopped jalapeño pepper into the liquid mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  6. Elevate the heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, covering the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap moisture and steam.
  7. Allow the rice to absorb the liquid and cook undisturbed for 40 minutes, or until the grains become tender and fluffy.
  8. Carefully remove the pot from heat and fold in frozen corn kernels, freshly chopped cilantro, and tangy lime juice, gently mixing to distribute flavors evenly.
  9. Let the rice rest for a few minutes to allow final flavor melding before serving.

Notes

  • Transform ordinary rice into a vibrant, flavor-packed Mexican-inspired dish bursting with colorful vegetables and zesty spices.
  • Choose brown rice for added nutritional benefits, providing more fiber and complex carbohydrates compared to white rice.
  • Jalapeño adds a perfect kick of heat, which can be adjusted by removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra spiciness.
  • Fresh cilantro and lime juice brighten the entire dish, creating a fresh, tangy finish that elevates the rice’s deep, rich flavors.
  • Adaptable recipe allows easy customization with protein like grilled chicken, black beans, or shrimp for a complete meal.
  • Cooking time ensures rice becomes perfectly tender while absorbing all the delicious vegetable and spice aromatics.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 47 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg