Mexican white rice is a staple in Mexican cuisine. It is a simple yet flavorful side dish that complements any Mexican meal. This dish is easy to prepare and is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to large gatherings. The secret to making the perfect Mexican white rice is toasting the rice before cooking it. This step adds depth and nuttiness to the dish, making it more flavorful.
Ingredients
To make Mexican white rice, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup diced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make Mexican white rice:
In a medium-sized pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Add the rice and stir until it turns golden brown. This should take about 5 minutes.
Add the onion and garlic and stir for another minute.
Add the chicken broth and salt and stir.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
Cook for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Nutrition
Mexican white rice is a great source of carbohydrates and provides energy to the body. One cup of cooked white rice has approximately 205 calories, 4 grams of protein, and 45 grams of carbohydrates. This dish is also low in fat and sodium, making it a healthy option for those who are watching their weight or have dietary restrictions. To make this dish even healthier, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice is a whole grain and is higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white rice.
Variations
There are many variations of Mexican white rice that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
Tomato Rice
To make tomato rice, add a can of diced tomatoes and a teaspoon of chili powder to the rice mixture before cooking. This will give the rice a slightly spicy and tangy flavor.
Cilantro Lime Rice
To make cilantro lime rice, add a handful of chopped cilantro and the juice of one lime to the rice after it has been cooked. This will give the rice a fresh and zesty flavor.
Jalapeno Rice
To make jalapeno rice, add a diced jalapeno pepper to the rice mixture before cooking. This will give the rice a spicy kick.
Cheesy Rice
To make cheesy rice, add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the rice after it has been cooked. This will give the rice a creamy and cheesy flavor.
Conclusion
Mexican white rice is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it is the perfect side dish for any Mexican meal. Whether you prefer it plain or with added flavors, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try making Mexican white rice at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.