Description
This authentic Mexican rice recipe, passed down from my mother-in-law, offers a flavorful and vibrant side dish perfect for pairing with any Mexican meal. Featuring a blend of tomatoes, aromatic spices, and traditionally fried rice, this recipe delivers a deliciously fluffy and savory rice with a subtle kick of cumin and optional jalapeño heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Oil
- 2 cups long grain rice or jasmine rice
- A little over 1/4 cup oil (for frying)
Tomato Mixture
- 2 roma tomatoes
- 1 piece of onion (about 1/4 of a medium onion)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Knorr tomato bouillon
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups hot water
Optional
- 1 jalapeño (for flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Mixture: Blend the roma tomatoes, onion, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Knorr tomato bouillon, cumin, and hot water in a blender until smooth to create the flavorful tomato sauce.
- Fry the Rice: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rice and fry it, stirring frequently, until the grains are lightly browned and toasted, which helps develop a nutty flavor.
- Cook the Rice: Pour the blended tomato mixture over the fried rice in the skillet. Stir well to combine, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Let the rice cook until it absorbs the liquid completely, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Rest and Fluff: Once cooked, turn off the heat and allow the rice to sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting step helps the rice finish steaming and improves texture. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
- Optional Jalapeño Addition: For an extra layer of flavor and slight heat, place a whole jalapeño in the rice while it cooks. Remove before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use long grain or jasmine rice for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the salt and spices according to your taste preferences.
- Frying the rice before simmering prevents it from becoming mushy and enhances its flavor.
- Be careful not to burn the rice during frying by stirring constantly.
- The jalapeño adds a gentle heat. Remove it after cooking if you prefer milder rice.
