Ole Fluffy Mexican Rice Recipes

MEXICAN RICE

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the onions and jalapeño and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Turn the heat up to medium and add the tomato paste, garlic and rice; cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes.
• Add the chicken broth, salt, pepper, chili powder and cumin; turn the heat up and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
• Add the peas, cilantro and lime juice and fluff the rice with a fork to mix. Let the rice sit for a few moments to "dry out" and lose that wet, just-steamed texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and lime if necessary.
• Note: Some rice brands will require a little less or a little more liquid; check the package for specific instructions.
• Freezer-Friendly Instructions: This rice can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. (Putting it in a flat layer in sealable plastic bags works well as it will take up less space in the freezer.) No need to thaw before reheating; remove it from the freezer and reheat in the microwave with 1 to 2 Tbsp. of water.

MEXICAN RICE RESTAURANT STYLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350-F. - Bake 30 minutes total, stirring after 15 minutes.
• Place rice in strainer and rinse under running water until it runs clear. About 2-minutes. This is important to create a dry, non-sticky restaurant style rice.
• Drain rice, making sure to shake out as much water as possible.
• Heat canola oil to medium high in a dutch oven (3qt to 6qt) on the stove top. Drop a few rice grains in the oil. When they sizzle, add all remaining rice. Stir constantly and fry rice until it is light golden and translucent, about 6-8 minutes.
• Add onions and stir into rice. Cook while stirring about 2 more minutes. Add garlic and stir for another minute.
• Stir in chicken broth, tomato paste, green chilies and diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a boil.
• When rice reaches a boil, place lid on dutch oven and place in 350-F preheated oven. Bake 15-minutes then open oven and stir well. Replace dutch oven lid and bake another 15 to 20-minutes until done.
• Remove from oven and stir in chopped cilantro. Cover and allow to rest about 5 minutes before serving to allow cilantro flavor to be absorbed by the rice.