Aromatic Mexican Rice Recipes

MEXICAN RICE

Steps:

• Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350.
• Process tomato and onion in processor or blender until pureed and thoroughly smooth. Transfer mixture to measuring cup and reserve exactly 2 cups. Discard excess.
• Remove ribs and seeds from 2 jalapenos and discard. Mince flesh and set aside. Mince remaining jalapeno. Set aside.
• Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until water runs clear- about 1 1/2 minutes.Shake rice vigorously to remove excess water.This step removes the starch from the rice so it will not stick. IF YOU OMIT THIS STEP YOUR RICE WILL NOT BE DRY AND FLUFFY.
• Heat oil in heavy bottomed ovensafe 12 inch straight sided sautee pan or Dutch oven with tight fitting lid over low-medium heat about 2 minutes. (The recipe is very specific about this but I used a 10 inch dutch oven and it worked out fine.) Drop a few rice grains in and if they sizzle then it is ready. Add rice and fry stirring until rice is light golden and translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Be careful that the oil doesn't get too hot too fast or the oil will splatter.
• Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and 2 minced jalapenos and cook , stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• Stir in broth, pureed mixture,tomato paste, and salt. Increase heat to medium high, and bring to a boil.
• Cover pan and transfer pan to oven to bake until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, 30-35 minutes.Stir well after 15 minutes.
• Stir in cilantro, minced jalapeno to taste, and pass lime wedges separately.
• Edited to add 6-15-05: If you can't get good fresh tomatoes you are better off using canned tomatoes. Don't use those awful hard and underipe tomatoes that are at most supermarket chains. Just be sure that the processed tomatoes and the one onion equals 2 cups. One the other hand- if you find that after processing your tomatoes and onions that you have less than 2 cups- simply add enough bottled salsa to make up the difference.
• Edited 8-21-06: Do not skip any of the steps. It may seem stupid- but rinsing the rice to remove the starch is very important if you want fluffy rice. It will only take two minutes of your time but it makes the difference.
• Edited 8-15-08: Leftovers are just as delicious the next day so this is a perfect dish to make ahead time for potlucks. This rice also freezes well. For Freezing Ahead: Cool, portion and freeze in a ziploc bag. To reheat from frozen: Place in a pyrex dish and warm in the microwave, stirring every 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• You'll love this rice! Money back guarantee.

AROMATIC MEXICAN RICE

Steps:

• Rough chop tomatoes, onion & peeled garlic.
• In a food processor or blender, puree the tomatoes, onion & garlic. Use fresh tomatoes OR canned tomatoes, not both.
• In 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, sautee rice, stirring often, until rice turns white. Its okay if some of the rice starts to lightly brown. This step usually takes 5 - 6 minutes.
• Add the diced carrots and saute for 2 minutes.
• Add the tomato/onion/garlic puree and cook until the liquid reduces a little and the mixture appears drier.
• Add the chicken broth, salt, jalapenos, parsley & bring to a boil.
• Cover, reduce heat to simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
• Open pot and scatter peas on top. Recover and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Fluff with fork and serve.
• Discard jalapenos or use to decorate the dish.

MEXICAN TOMATO RICE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a saucepan and sizzle the onion for 5 mins until just starting to soften. Add the garlic and cook for a minute more, then stir in the chipotle paste (if using) and the tomato purée and cook for a minute.
• Add the tomatoes and simmer for a few minutes, then scatter the rice into the pan and stir, so it's coated in the tomato mix. Pour over the hot stock, season, give everything another stir and bring to the boil, then cover the pan with a lid and turn the heat down to the lowest possible setting.
• Gently simmer for 15-20 mins until all the stock has been absorbed and the rice is cooked through. Leave the rice to sit for a few mins off the heat, then stir through the coriander and serve.

EASY AND DELICIOUS MEXICAN RICE

Steps:

• Coat bottom of large nonstick skillet with oil and add rice. Saute rice on medium high heat until it turns opaque.
• Add picante sauce/salsa, broth, cumin, and taco seasoning.
• Turn heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, depending on the rice.
• Uncover and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Fluff with a fork and serve.