Leighs Mexican Rice
Transform your dinner table with Leigh’s Mexican Rice, a vibrant and flavorful side dish that's as versatile as it is delicious! This easy-to-make recipe features fluffy long-grain white rice simmered to perfection in a savory blend of tomato sauce, chicken broth, and aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder. Finely diced onion and garlic add depth, while a colorful mix of peas and carrots brings balance and nutrition. The dish is finished with fresh cilantro and an optional zesty squeeze of lime for a fragrant, refreshing touch. Perfect for pairing with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, Leigh’s Mexican Rice is a must-try addition to your Mexican-inspired meals. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an effortless way to elevate your weeknight dinners or family gatherings! Keywords: Mexican rice recipe, fluffy Mexican rice, easy side dish, Mexican-inspired recipes, seasoned rice with vegetables.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, for optional garnish
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Stir in the rinsed rice and toast it in the oil for 3-4 minutes, stirring continually, until it becomes slightly golden.
Add the water, chicken broth, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Cover the saucepan again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in fresh cilantro.
Serve warm with a squeeze of lime juice for an optional zesty garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
798 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.0 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3393 mg | 148% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 104.7 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.9 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.5 g | ||
| Protein | 20.3 g | 41% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 216 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 9.2 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 985 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
