Mexican style tomato rice
Mexican style tomato rice is a vibrant dish featuring white rice cooked with tomato puree, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables like peas and carrots. This one-pot recipe is perfect as a side or a main course, delivering a delightful fusion of flavours.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil1 onion
1 cup white rice
2 tbsp tomato puree
1 tsp ground cumin
2 garlic cloves
2 cups chicken gravy
1 carrot
1 cup peas
1/4 cup coriander leaves
2 red hot chili peppers
Mexican style tomato rice is a flavorful and vibrant dish that brings together the robust flavors of ripe tomatoes, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, this recipe offers a delicious fusion of Mexican-inspired ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion and red hot chili peppers (if using).
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Finely dice the carrot and chop the coriander leaves.
- In a large skillet or a medium-sized pot, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed white rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the oil, onions, and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to get slightly toasted.
- Stir in the 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and the 2 tablespoons of tomato puree, ensuring the rice is well-coated with the mixture.
- Slowly pour in the 2 cups of chicken gravy, stirring to combine. Be sure to scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the finely diced carrot and 1 cup of peas to the pot. Stir to distribute them evenly.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Avoid removing the lid during this time to allow the rice to cook properly.
- After the cooking time, check if the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. If not, cover again and cook for a few more minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Gently fold in the chopped coriander leaves and the finely chopped red hot chili peppers (if using).
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve immediately. This Mexican style tomato rice pairs beautifully with grilled meats, beans, or can be enjoyed on its own.
Mexican style tomato rice is not only a visually appealing dish but also a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of juicy tomatoes, zesty cumin, and fresh vegetables makes it a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. With its vibrant colors and rich taste, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Mexican style tomato rice FAQ:
The total cooking time for Mexican style tomato rice is approximately 18-20 minutes after bringing it to a boil. Remember to keep the pot covered during this time to ensure proper cooking.
The rice is done when it is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. If it’s not tender after 20 minutes, you can cover and cook for a few more minutes on low heat.
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
If you need a substitute for chicken gravy, you can use vegetable broth or a homemade vegetable stock. Adjust the seasonings to taste, as they may differ in flavor.
Yes, you can make it spicier by adding more red hot chili peppers or incorporating other spicy ingredients like jalapeños or cayenne pepper, depending on your heat preference.
Cooking Tips:
- Tip 1: For a more intense flavor, use freshly ground cumin instead of pre-ground cumin.
- Tip 2: Toast the rice in olive oil until it turns light golden before adding liquids to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Tip 3: You can substitute chicken gravy with vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian.
- Tip 4: Add the garlic and chili peppers towards the end of the sautéing process to prevent them from burning and becoming bitter.
- Tip 5: Garnish the finished dish with additional coriander leaves for a fresh, herbal touch.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 320kcal
Protein 8g
Carbohydrates 66g
Fiber 3.97g
Sugar 6g
Fat 7g
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