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Mexican rice is a staple side dish in many Mexican households, beloved for its fragrant aroma, savory taste, and versatility. This dish pairs perfectly with a wide variety of main courses, from tacos and enchiladas to grilled meats and seafood. The key to making authentic Mexican rice lies in toasting the rice before cooking it, a technique that helps create a golden, fluffy texture and infuses the rice with a rich flavor.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make this classic Mexican rice dish with a few simple ingredients. From the essential spices to the method of cooking, you’ll learn how to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture every time. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a festive gathering, this Mexican rice will quickly become a crowd favorite!
Ingredients for Mexican Rice
To make this flavorful Mexican rice, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, many of which are staples in Mexican cooking. The combination of cumin, garlic, and tomato sauce gives the rice its distinct, comforting flavor.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups long grain rice (uncooked)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
4 cups water (or 32 oz chicken stock for added flavor)
1/2 medium onion, sliced
1 tbsp lard or vegetable cooking oil (lard adds a traditional flavor but vegetable oil works well too)
1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Authentic Mexican Rice
The process of making Mexican rice is easy and straightforward, but the key to success is in the technique. By toasting the rice first and adding the seasonings at the right time, you ensure that each grain of rice is infused with flavor. Here’s how to make it step by step.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. In Mexican cooking, a combination of key ingredients like cumin, garlic, onion, and tomatoes can transform a simple dish into something extraordinary. Having everything prepared ahead of time will help things move along smoothly.
Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the onion and have the rest of the ingredients ready to go.
Step 2: Cook the Onion in Oil or Lard
In a large frying pan, heat your oil or lard on high heat. Lard adds a distinct flavor to the dish, but vegetable oil can be used as a substitute if you prefer a lighter option.
Cook the Onion: Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion to the pan. Cook the onion for about a minute until it starts to soften and become fragrant.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
This is the step that sets Mexican rice apart. Toasting the rice helps develop a nutty flavor and gives the rice a golden color.
Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the pan with the onion. Stir the rice frequently to ensure it toasts evenly. Continue cooking until the rice turns golden brown. This step should take about 3-5 minutes and will fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma.
Step 4: Prepare the Liquid Mixture
While the rice is toasting, mix together the water, tomato sauce, garlic powder, and ground cumin. This mixture is the base for the flavor of the rice. Some people use chicken stock for an added depth of flavor, but this recipe uses water and tomato sauce, which creates a simple yet flavorful result.
Prepare the Water Mixture: In a separate measuring cup or bowl, combine the 4 cups of water (or chicken stock), the garlic powder, ground cumin, and 6 oz of tomato sauce. You can use the entire can of tomato sauce if you prefer a stronger tomato flavor, but we’ve found that 6 oz is the perfect amount for a balanced taste.
Step 5: Add the Liquid Mixture to the Toasted Rice
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