Southwest Rice and Corn Pilaf
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant Southwest Rice and Corn Pilaf, a one-pan wonder bursting with bold, zesty flavors. This hearty dish combines fluffy long-grain white rice cooked to perfection in a savory broth with sweet corn, tangy diced tomatoes, and a medley of smoky spices, including cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, this colorful pilaf is a versatile side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course. With just 10 minutes of prep and simple pantry ingredients, it’s an easy and flavorful way to bring the Southwest to your table. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving a taste of Tex-Mex cuisine!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 2 pieces lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and stir for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the long-grain white rice and toast it in the pan for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it's coated in the oil and begins to lightly brown.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the drained canned corn, diced tomatoes, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes with the lid on to allow it to steam.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for an extra punch of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
844 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.7 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3787 mg | 165% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 131.9 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.8 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.5 g | ||
| Protein | 17.2 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 141 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 992 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.
