Chipotle Cilantro Lime Mexican Rice

Chipotle Cilantro Lime Mexican Rice

This recipe aims for a balance of smoky, zesty, and fresh flavors, perfect for a side dish with your favorite Mexican meals.

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as Jasmine or Basmati), rinsed thoroughly until water runs clear and drained well
• ½ small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (or 1-2 teaspoons chipotle paste, to taste for desired heat and smokiness)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (or ½ cup tomato paste dissolved in ½ cup water)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (warm)
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano if you have it)
• Salt to taste (start with ½ teaspoon and adjust)
• Juice of 1-2 limes (about 2-4 tablespoons), to taste
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped, plus more for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Toast Rice & Chipotle: Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly and become lightly golden. This step helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky. Stir in the minced chipotle peppers (or paste) and cook for another minute, allowing their smoky flavor to develop.
3. Add Liquids & Spices: Pour in the tomato sauce and warm broth. Add the cumin, dried oregano, and salt. Stir everything together gently to combine.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Resist the urge to lift the lid during this time!
5. Rest & Finish: Once the cooking time is up, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
6. Fluff & Season: Uncover the pot. Add the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to incorporate the cilantro and lime. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or lime juice if desired.
7. Serve: Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and serve warm.