Description
This authentic Mexican rice recipe, inspired by a traditional family favorite, combines perfectly fried long grain rice with a flavorful tomato and spice blend. Cooked on the stovetop until fluffy and infused with rich tomato and cumin flavors, this dish is a comforting side that’s easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with a variety of Mexican meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 roma tomatoes
- 1 piece of onion (about 1/4 of a medium onion)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Knorr tomato bouillon
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups hot water
- A little over 1/4 cup oil (for frying)
- 2 cups long grain rice or jasmine rice
Optional
- 1 jalapeño (for flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Mixture: Blend the roma tomatoes, quarter piece of onion, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Knorr tomato bouillon, cumin, and hot water until smooth to create a flavorful tomato sauce base.
- Fry the Rice: Heat just over 1/4 cup of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rice and fry it, stirring frequently, until the grains turn a light golden brown, which helps add a nutty flavor and keeps the rice from becoming mushy.
- Cook the Rice: Pour the blended tomato mixture into the skillet with the fried rice. Stir everything together to combine evenly, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Let the rice cook undisturbed for about 20-25 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Fluff: After cooking, turn off the heat and keep the skillet covered for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and settle. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving to separate the grains.
- Optional Jalapeño: For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a whole jalapeño to the rice as it cooks. This will infuse the dish with a subtle heat and enhance its authentic Mexican profile.
Notes
- Frying the rice before cooking is essential for texture and flavor; don’t skip this step.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the jalapeño.
- You can substitute Knorr tomato bouillon with vegetable or chicken bouillon powder if unavailable.
- Use jasmine rice for a more fragrant version or long grain rice for a more traditional texture.
- Adjust salt and spices according to your taste preference.
- Ensure the water used is hot to maintain cooking temperature and reduce overall cooking time.
