Mexican Rice Pilaf
Transform your mealtime into a fiesta with this vibrant and flavorful Mexican Rice Pilaf! Infused with aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika, this dish features perfectly toasted long-grain white rice simmered in a rich tomato broth with diced tomatoes and a pop of frozen peas. A touch of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime add the perfect zesty finish, making it a colorful and satisfying side dish or main course. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Serve alongside tacos, grilled meats, or enjoy on its own for a burst of authentic Mexican flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup frozen peas
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 medium lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain thoroughly.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the rice to the skillet and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns lightly golden.
Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes, mixing thoroughly to coat the rice.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Stir in the frozen peas and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam and warm the peas.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
891 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.0 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5267 mg | 229% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 136.5 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.9 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.8 g | ||
| Protein | 24.4 g | 49% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 276 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 11.2 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 1683 mg | 36% | |
*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.
