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Easy 20-Minute One-Pot Mexican Rice Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

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A quick and flavorful Mexican rice recipe made in one pot, perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (190 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup tomato sauce (120 ml)
  • 1 ¾ cups chicken or vegetable broth (415 ml), low-sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
  • Fresh cilantro, a handful chopped (optional)
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in your pot over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the rice to the pot and toast it, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until grains turn slightly opaque and smell nutty.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to coat the rice evenly.
  6. Add the broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without opening the lid.
  8. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 more minutes to finish steaming.
  9. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, stir in chopped cilantro if using, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Toast the rice before adding liquid to develop a nutty flavor and prevent sogginess. Use low-quality broth can affect flavor negatively. Let the rice rest covered after cooking to finish steaming. If rice is not tender after cooking, add a splash of broth or water and cook 2-3 more minutes on low heat. Use a fork gently to fluff rice to avoid mashing grains.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican rice, one-pot recipe, quick dinner, easy rice recipe, weeknight meal, pantry staples, vegetarian option, gluten-free

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/easy-20-minute-one-pot-mexican-rice-recipe-perfect-for-quick-dinners/