Description
Authentic Mexican Rice is a vibrant and flavorful plant-based side dish made with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices. This classic recipe results in fluffy, perfectly seasoned long-grain white rice with a rich tomato base and warm cumin notes. Easy to prepare and naturally free from animal products, it pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses for a comforting and festive addition to your meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 3 fresh tomatoes, blended
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper (natural), to taste
Optional Variations
- 1 fresh jalapeño, chopped or pinch of cayenne pepper for spice
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or peas for veggie boost
- Fresh parsley or a mix of parsley and cilantro instead of cilantro
- 1 tablespoon organic tomato paste (natural) for richer flavor
- Brown rice instead of white rice (adjust cooking time accordingly)
Instructions
- Prep the tomato base: Blend the fresh tomatoes together with a clove of garlic, a small piece of onion, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and apple cider vinegar (natural) until smooth. This mixture will be used as the flavorful liquid to cook the rice.
- Toast the rice: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the long-grain white rice and stir continuously until it turns a light golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. This toasting step enhances the rice texture and flavor.
- Cook the rice: Pour the tomato blend and vegetable broth into the skillet with the toasted rice. Add ground cumin, salt, and black pepper (natural). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan. Cook on low heat until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 18-20 minutes.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Fold in the chopped fresh cilantro to add color and a fresh herbal flavor, completing the dish.
Notes
- Use long-grain white rice for fluffy, separate grains.
- Toasting the rice is essential to develop a nutty depth and prevent mushiness.
- Cook on low heat with the lid on to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
- Avoid lifting the lid frequently to lock in steam.
- Fresh tomatoes and herbs greatly enhance the flavor over canned alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Authentic Mexican Rice, Plant-Based Mexican Rice, Mexican Side Dish, Vegan Mexican Rice, Fluffy Mexican Rice, Tomato Rice
